Actor Ranya Rao Held at Bengaluru Airport for Gold Smuggling

Actor Ranya Rao was detained at Kempegowda International Airport after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted her while allegedly smuggling gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. Rao, 33, arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight when authorities stopped her at the final security checkpoint based on prior intelligence.

Officials said two individuals accompanying her were carrying gold concealed in briefcases. As the group neared the airport exit, the DRI team intervened and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of gold bars weighing 14.2 kg. “The gold, cleverly hidden on person, was seized under the Customs Act, 1962,” a DRI statement confirmed.

Following the airport seizure, authorities searched Rao’s residence on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru. Officials recovered additional gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.

“The passenger has been taken into custody under the Customs Act, 1962, and remanded to judicial custody. The total seizure in this case stands at Rs 17.29 crore, significantly impacting organized gold smuggling networks,” the agency’s statement read. Officials described the 14.2 kg seizure as one of the largest in recent times at the Bengaluru airport.

Authorities were monitoring Rao’s frequent short trips to Gulf countries, which raised suspicions and placed her on the agency’s radar. Reports indicate she is the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, whose first wife had passed away before his second marriage. Rao’s mother had two daughters from her previous marriage, one of whom is Ranya Rao.