Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 5: In a major crackdown, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) raided the Bengaluru residence of jailed Kannada actress Ranya Rao on Wednesday, seizing a significant amount of cash and gold valued in crores. The raid took place at her upscale Lavelle Road apartment, where officials recovered Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. The actress, who had been paying a hefty rent of Rs 4.5 lac per month for the flat, was earlier arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold.
Ranya Rao, 32, is the daughter of Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation). However, her father distanced himself from the controversy, stating that they had not been in contact since her marriage four months ago.
The arrest unfolded when DRI officers, acting on a tip-off, awaited her arrival at the airport. Rao had boarded an Emirates flight from Dubai, and her frequent trips—four visits in just 15 days—had raised suspicions. Authorities revealed that she had smuggled gold bars hidden in her belt and clothing, allegedly using her father's name to bypass security scrutiny.
It was reported that upon landing, she would call police personnel for assistance, who would then escort her home. The DRI is now investigating whether any police officials, including an IPS officer related to her, were involved in the smuggling operation or if she acted independently.
The probe also extends to determining if she had engaged in similar illegal activities previously. Following her arrest, Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru for questioning before being produced in court, where she was remanded to judicial custody.
Ranya Rao, known for her role alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep in the film Maanikya, has also appeared in several other South Indian movies.