BENGALURU: The arrest of Sandalwood actor Ranya Rao at Bengaluru airport for allegedly smuggling gold has sparked concerns over a potential larger network behind her operations. Authorities are now investigating whether she had accomplices and if a broader smuggling syndicate was involved.
Calling it a matter of national security, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has sought her custody for further interrogation.
“There are many unanswered questions: Who was assisting Ranya? Is there a larger syndicate behind her? A thorough investigation is necessary,” the public prosecutor argued in court, requesting her custody for three days from March 9.
Rao was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) with 14.8 kg of gold allegedly strapped to her body. Her arrest has triggered a high-profile probe, with authorities now scrutinizing her extensive international travel history.
According to DRI sources, Rao has visited Dubai 27 times and traveled to over 45 countries, raising suspicions about the nature of her frequent trips. Investigators are also looking into reports that the smuggled jewelry was acquired under instructions from a prominent politician, though no names have been officially disclosed. Reports suggest the ornaments were sourced from a high-end designer store in the city.
Ranya, daughter of DGP (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, had been under DRI surveillance following intelligence reports linking her to gold smuggling. Acting on a tip-off, officials were stationed at KIA two hours before her Emirates flight landed at 7 pm on Monday. She was intercepted upon arrival, and gold bars concealed in a belt were seized from her possession.
She was presented before a special financial offenses court on March 4, where the judge remanded her to judicial custody until March 18.
Before being sent to judicial custody, Rao underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital. During questioning, she claimed her frequent Dubai visits were for business purposes, but investigators suspect she was part of an organized smuggling operation.
As the probe deepens, authorities are analyzing her financial records and potential links to a broader gold smuggling syndicate.
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