BENGALURU: In one of the biggest gold seizures from an air passenger in recent times, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has recovered a total of Rs 17.3 crore worth of gold and cash in a smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao.
The DRI intercepted Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Monday night with 14.2kg gold bars strapped to her body.
A subsequent raid at her upscale Lavelle Road apartment led to the discovery of Rs 2.1 crore worth of designer gold ornaments and Rs 2.7 crore in cash.
Ranya, daughter of Karnataka DGP (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Rao, was arrested and produced before a magistrate on Tuesday, following which she was remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
Officials revealed that she had been under surveillance due to her frequent international travel, reportedly making over 10 Gulf trips this year. “She followed a similar pattern in her last four visits, wearing attire that allowed her to keep the smuggled gold belt concealed,” an officer at KIA said.
Sources said the investigation has now expanded to a jewellery boutique in Bengaluru’s central business district, where the seized ornaments were allegedly procured.
Preliminary findings suggest they were purchased on behalf of a prominent politician, and officials are now tracing the payment routes.
With the case sparking political ripples, several Congress MLAs have demanded a deeper probe. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has sought a detailed report from the police regarding the smuggling operation.