March 5, 2025: Actress Ranya Rao, known for her roles in films like Maanikya and Pataki, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Bengaluru on March 3, 2025, for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai. The actress, who is the stepdaughter of DGP Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao, was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAD) upon her arrival from Dubai.
According to DRI officials, they had received a tip-off regarding Ranya’s involvement in a gold smuggling operation. In response, the DRI team stationed themselves at the airport two hours before her arrival. Once her Emirates flight landed around 7 PM, the team detained her and confiscated the 14.8 kilograms of gold she was allegedly carrying.
Ranya was promptly taken into custody and was produced before a special court judge for financial offences on March 4, 2025. Following the hearing, the judge ordered that she be sent to judicial custody until March 18, 2025.
During her questioning, Ranya reportedly claimed that her trip to Dubai was for business purposes. However, the DRI officials allege that the gold found in her possession was being smuggled into India illegally.
Before being transferred to judicial custody, Ranya underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. As of now, she remains in judicial custody while the DRI continues its investigation into the case, with the seized gold under scrutiny.
Ranya Rao’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the film industry and the local community, given her family connections and her status as a prominent actress. The case highlights the ongoing issue of gold smuggling in India, a crime that has seen an uptick in recent years.