- India,
- 04-Mar-2025 07:40 PM IST
Gold Smuggling: Kannada film industry's popular actress Ranya Rao has been caught in a major smuggling case. Ranya, who was coming to India from Dubai, has been arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on charges of smuggling gold. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) team recovered 14.8 kg of gold from her, which is estimated to be worth more than Rs 12 crore in the market.Relationship with influential familyRanya Rao belongs to an influential family. She is said to be the stepdaughter of Karnataka Director General of Police (DG) Ramachandra Rao. According to sources, Ranya's mother and Ramachandra Rao had second marriages with each other. The DRI had long suspected that Ranya might get involved in the smuggling business using her father's influence and influence.Journey from films to smugglingRanya Rao's career started as an actress in the Kannada film industry. She acted in many films, but she got the most recognition from the film "Manikya". However, her success in films did not last long, after which she stepped into illegal activities like gold smuggling.How was Ranya caught?The DRI had received secret information that a large consignment of gold was being brought to India from Dubai. Based on this information, the agency started strict surveillance at the airport. As soon as Ranya reached the airport, the officials stopped her and wanted to search her.According to sources, initially Ranya tried to pressure the officials using her father's influence, but the DRI team took her to the investigation room and conducted a thorough investigation. During the search, 14.8 kg of gold sheets hidden inside her clothes were found.What's next?The DRI has taken Ranya Rao into custody and started questioning her. The investigating agencies are also trying to find out who else is involved in this smuggling racket. It is being speculated that Ranya may have connections with many big smuggling gangs.