Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was arrested at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilos of gold. She arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight on the night of March 3.
The actress had been under surveillance due to her frequent international trips. On such trips, she wore most of the gold inconspicuously and hid the rest in her clothing. On Monday night, she looked very confident when she disembarked and did not raise any suspicion.
In the four previous trips in 15 days, Ranya was dressed similarly with the belt hidden from view. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is trying to determine whether she smuggled gold on all those occasions, and the total quantity brought in.
Sources said, Ranya evaded detection by taking advantage of official protocol services typically used by senior bureaucrats including IPS officers. A source explained, “A protocol officer would meet her at the terminal and escort her out of the building. While her baggage was subject to random and routine checks, she was never physically frisked as she was accompanied by the protocol officer. In fact, a government vehicle would even pick her up from the airport, ensuring that there was no trouble en route home.”
Ranya’s father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, distanced himself from his daughter’s activities and told media, “Four months ago, Ranya married Jatin Hukkeri (an architect specialising in designing interior spaces for upscale pubs and microbreweries in the city). She hasn’t visited us since. We are completely unaware of her or her husband’s business dealings. This has come as a huge shock and disappointment. She has let us down. If there is any violation, the law will take its course.”