Actress Ranya Rao Sent To 3-Day DRI Custody In Bengaluru Gold Smuggling Scandal

March 7, 2025: A Bengaluru court has granted the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) custody of Kannada actress Ranya Rao for three days in connection with a gold smuggling case. The order was issued on Friday by the Economic Offenses Court, presided over by Justice Vishwanath C. Gowdar.

Ranya, who is known for her roles in Kannada films like Maanikya and Pataki, was detained earlier this week by the DRI at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, following her return from Dubai on March 3. Authorities have accused the actress of attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold into India. The gold was allegedly concealed and intended to be imported illegally.

On March 4, Ranya Rao was produced before a special court for financial offenses, where she was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. Before her transfer to custody, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. During questioning, Ranya reportedly told authorities that her trip to Dubai was for business purposes. However, officials believe the trip may have been linked to the illegal importation of gold.

Soon after Ranya’s arrest, an image began circulating on social media showing her with swollen eyes and bruises, sparking speculation that she may have been allegedly assaulted during or after her arrest. The viral image led to widespread attention and concern regarding her treatment.

In response to the image, the Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, addressed the issue. She clarified that the commission could not initiate an investigation without a formal complaint from Ranya. “Actually, someone has to file a complaint with us. The Women’s Commission is not an authority to conduct an investigation,” Chaudhary said.

While condemning any form of violence, Chaudhary emphasized that the law must take its course and that no one had the right to assault anyone. She added, “Whoever has committed the assault should not have done so. That’s for sure. No one should take the law into their hands.”

Chaudhary also assured that if Ranya files a complaint, the commission would take necessary action. “Unless she writes to the commissioner or sends a letter to me asking us to look into the matter, we will write to the concerned authorities to help her, support her, conduct a proper investigation, and submit a report. That’s all the commission can do.”

As the investigation into the gold smuggling case continues, Ranya’s legal team will likely mount a defense, while the authorities focus on the circumstances surrounding the gold smuggling allegations.