Kannada Actress Ranya Rao in DRI Custody Over Gold Smuggling Case

Actress Ranya Rao, accused of smuggling nearly 15 kg of gold, remains in DRI custody amid allegations of mistreatment.

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Actress Ranya Rao Remanded to DRI Custody Over Alleged Gold Smuggling

Bengaluru, March 8 – Kannada actress Ranya Rao, accused of smuggling nearly 15 kilograms of gold, has been remanded to the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) until March 10.

The Economic Offences Court in Bengaluru, presided over by Justice Vishwanath C Gowdar, granted the DRI custody while ensuring that Rao is provided with basic amenities such as food and bedding. The court also allowed her to meet her lawyer for half an hour daily and cautioned officials against using harsh treatment during the investigation.

The actress, known for films like Maanikya and Pataki, was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on March 3 upon her return from Dubai. Authorities allege she was attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold into India.

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Legal Proceedings & Allegations of Mistreatment

Following her arrest earlier this week, Ranya Rao was produced before a special financial offences court on March 4, where she was initially sent to judicial custody until March 18. Before her transfer, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital, Bengaluru.

During interrogation, the actress claimed that her Dubai trip was business-related. However, officials suspect that her visit was linked to illegal gold imports.

Meanwhile, controversy erupted after an image of Ranya with swollen eyes and bruises surfaced on social media, sparking allegations that she may have been assaulted during or after her arrest.

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Women’s Commission Responds to Allegations of Assault

Speaking on the viral image, Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Chaudhary stated that the commission cannot investigate unless a formal complaint is filed.

“Actually, someone has to file a complaint with us. The Women’s Commission is not an authority to conduct an investigation,” she said.

Condemning any act of violence, Chaudhary asserted:

“Whoever has committed the assault should not have done so. No one has the right to assault anybody, whether it’s a woman or anyone else. The law must take its own course.”

She further added that if Ranya files a formal complaint, the commission would step in to ensure a proper investigation.

“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.”

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What’s Next?

✔ Ranya Rao will remain in DRI custody until March 10, where further questioning will take place.
✔ Investigations continue into her alleged involvement in the smuggling operation.
✔ Authorities are yet to confirm if the viral bruised image is linked to mistreatment during her arrest.
✔ If a formal complaint is filed, the Women’s Commission may intervene.

As the case unfolds, Ranya Rao’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry, raising questions about celebrities’ alleged involvement in smuggling rings and law enforcement treatment of high-profile detainees.

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Tags: Ranya Rao, Kannada Actress Arrested, Gold Smuggling Case, DRI Custody, Bengaluru Court, Kempegowda Airport, Karnataka Women’s Commission, Celebrity Crime, Gold Smuggling India