Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 5: The arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, daughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, on charges of gold smuggling has triggered strong political reactions in Karnataka. Several Congress leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the case, emphasizing the need for impartial legal proceedings.
Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold. Following her arrest, she was remanded to judicial custody.
Reacting to the case, A.S. Ponnanna, Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and MLA, said, “The fact that the accused is the DGP’s daughter is incidental. Now, she is an accused in a smuggling case, and the law will take its course. It does not matter whether she is the daughter of a common man, a DGP, or even the Prime Minister. The law applies equally to all.”
Congress MLA H.D. Ranganath expressed concerns over increasing cases of gold smuggling, stating, “It is surprising to see people from affluent backgrounds engaging in such illegal activities. This raises questions about the motives behind such crimes, including black money transactions and tax evasion.” He also commended law enforcement officers for their vigilance in handling the case.
Bengaluru Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad called for a comprehensive probe, asserting, “This cannot be taken lightly. A thorough investigation is necessary to understand how this happened, irrespective of whose daughter she is. The law must be applied equally to everyone.”
Following Ranya Rao’s arrest, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted raids on her upscale apartment on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Authorities seized Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from the premises. Reports suggest she was paying Rs 4.5 lakh per month in rent for the apartment.
Investigators revealed that the 32-year-old actress was intercepted at the airport upon her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight. Intelligence reports indicated that she had made four trips to Dubai in 15 days, raising suspicions about her involvement in smuggling.
According to officials, Ranya Rao allegedly concealed gold bars in her belt and clothing and misused her father’s influence to evade detection. Upon landing, she would reportedly call police personnel to escort her home, helping her bypass scrutiny. Authorities are now investigating whether any police officers or IPS personnel were complicit in the smuggling racket or if she acted alone.
After her arrest, Ranya was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru for interrogation before being presented in court, where she was remanded to judicial custody.
Ranya Rao, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in the film Maanikya, has also worked in other South Indian films. Her father, DGP Ramachandra Rao (Director General of Police, Police Housing Corporation), has distanced himself from the case, stating that he has had no contact with her since her marriage four months ago.