Just 1 step away from exit: How Kannada actress Ranya Rao was caught with Rs 12 cr gold

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday raided the Bengaluru residence of jailed Kannada actress Ranya Rao and seized a large quantity of cash and gold worth crores of rupees.

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She was about to clear airport security at Bengaluru when a team from the DRI intercepted her and recovered gold bars worth Rs 12 crore that she was allegedly smuggling, reports NDTV.

The 32-year-old actress, who began her career with the 2014 Kannada film Maanikya, had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight on Monday.

It is alleged that two people accompanying her were carrying the smuggled gold in briefcases. They had nearly cleared security at Kempegowda airport and were about to exit when a DRI team, acting on specific intelligence about the smuggling attempt, stopped her and began a search.

Ranya Rao is the daughter of Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation). However, he has distanced himself from her, stating that they have not been in touch since her marriage four months ago.

According to police, the actress was taken into custody on Monday night at the airport after arriving on an Emirates flight from Dubai.

After receiving information that the accused actress had boarded the Emirates flight from Dubai, a team of four DRI officers arrived at Bengaluru airport and awaited her arrival.

The DRI had been monitoring her frequent trips to Dubai, which reportedly included four visits in just 15 days.

Investigators revealed that she smuggled gold bars concealed in her belt and clothing, using her DGP father's name to avoid suspicion. Upon landing, she would call police personnel for a pick-up, who then escorted her home.

The DRI is now investigating whether any police personnel or an IPS officer related to her was involved in the gold smuggling operation or if she acted alone. Officials are also investigating whether she had trafficked gold on previous occasions.

Following her arrest, she was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru for questioning and later produced in court, where she was remanded to judicial custody. Ranya Rao, who has acted opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in Maanikya, has also worked in other South Indian films.

with inputs from IANS