Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested at the Bangalore international airport on March 3 for smuggling 14.2 kg. of gold from Dubai on her person, has admitted to carrying 17 gold bars. She was remanded to three days’ custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 7 by a special court.
The DRI had sought her custodial interrogation to investigate the source of the smuggled gold and its intended recipients, suggesting a possible link to “anti-national activities”.
During the hearing, the DRI submitted a statement obtained from the actress to support its request for her custody.
Investigators revealed that Ranya, identified in her passport as Harshavardini Ranya, had travelled to Dubai 27 times in the last six months, raising concerns about the nature of the frequent visits. Following her arrest, she reportedly claimed to be working as a freelancer in Dubai’s real estate sector.
According to DRI officials, gold bars worth Rs. 12.56 crore were seized from the 34-year-old actress at Kempegowda International Airport. Subsequent searches at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore. The total seizure in the case stood at Rs. 17.29 crore, including assets worth Rs. 4.73 crore, marking a significant blow to organised gold smuggling networks.
