Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested in Gold Smuggling Case
In a shocking turn of events, Kannada actress Ranya Rao, known for her roles in films like Maanikya and Pataki, was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3, 2025, at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. She is the stepdaughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP), Dr. K Ramachandra Rao, who has distanced himself from the situation.
DGP Rao stated to The Times of India that he has no involvement in his daughter’s actions. He explained, “She married four months ago and hasn’t visited us since. We are unaware of her or her husband’s business activities. This has been a massive shock. The legal process will proceed accordingly.”
The Alleged Smuggling Incident
According to DRI officials, Ranya was suspected of being involved in gold smuggling. They had received a tip-off and stationed a team at the airport before her arrival. Upon landing, she was immediately arrested. On March 4, 2025, Ranya was brought before a special court dealing with financial crimes, where she was remanded into judicial custody until March 18, 2025.
During her medical checkup at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru, Ranya claimed her trip to Dubai was for business purposes. However, DRI officials alleged that she was attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold into India.
Public Reaction
Congress MLA and legal advisor to the Karnataka Chief Minister, AS Ponnanna, emphasized that the law must take its course. He remarked, “She will be treated as any other accused. If there is any official involvement, it will surface in the investigation.”
About Ranya Rao
Ranya, originally from Chikmagalur, Karnataka, studied engineering before pursuing a career in acting. She debuted in Maanikya (2014) and later appeared in Tamil films, such as Wagah (2016), before returning to Kannada cinema with Pataki (2017).
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