Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 4: In a significant crackdown, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials detained Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her possession.

The actress, who arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai, had been under surveillance by DRI officials due to her frequent trips to Dubai. Authorities revealed that Ranya Rao, a close relative of a serving IPS officer in Karnataka, managed to wear most of the gold inconspicuously, while also concealing gold bars within her clothing.

According to preliminary investigations, the actress allegedly claimed to be the daughter of the Director General of Police (DGP) upon arrival at the airport. She would then call local police personnel for a pick-up, who would unknowingly drop her home. The DRI is now investigating whether these officers or the IPS relative had any involvement or whether they were being misled.

The authorities were tipped off after noting that the actress had travelled to Dubai four times within the last 15 days. Following her arrest, she was taken to the DRI headquarters in the HBR Layout of Bengaluru, where she was interrogated. She is expected to be produced before a Bengaluru court later on Tuesday.

The investigation aims to uncover whether Ranya Rao is part of a larger smuggling syndicate. However, the DRI has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Ranya Rao, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in the movie ‘Maanikya’, has also appeared in other South Indian films.

Further developments in the case are awaited.