Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 5: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has sought an internal report from the Police Department following the shocking arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, daughter of a senior IPS officer, in connection with a multi-crore gold smuggling racket.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Parameshwara stated that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is leading the investigation and that the state police will await concrete findings before commenting further.
“We have discussed the matter with the police chief, and the department has been asked to look into it. They will definitely gather more information,” he said. Addressing speculation that Ranya Rao misused official protocol, the Home Minister stressed that all claims need to be thoroughly investigated.
The DRI investigation has revealed that the 31-year-old actress used an unconventional method to smuggle gold, bypassing airport security. Rao allegedly taped 14 gold bars to her thighs, concealed them under a crepe bandage, and managed to clear security undetected.
Authorities have seized a total of 17.29 kg of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash so far. Rao was apprehended on Monday night at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, upon arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight.
Investigators suspect she leveraged her father’s high-ranking police position—Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation)—to avoid scrutiny. Reports indicate that she would call police personnel upon landing, who then escorted her home, bypassing standard security checks.
Officials are now probing whether any police officers were complicit in the smuggling network. Following her arrest, the DRI raided her luxury apartment on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru, where she paid a rent of Rs 4.5 lakh per month. The raid led to the discovery of additional gold and cash, increasing the total seizure.
Her father, Ramachandra Rao, has distanced himself from the case, stating that he has not been in contact with her since her marriage four months ago.
Ranya Rao, known for her role in ‘Maanikya’ alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep, has also acted in several other South Indian films.
She was produced in court on Tuesday and remanded to judicial custody as authorities continue their probe into the smuggling network and possible accomplices.