BENGALURU, Mar 6: Actress Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly attempting to smuggle gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore. The arrest took place just moments before she could clear airport security and exit the premises. The 33-year-old actress, who made her film debut in the 2014 Kannada movie Maanikya, had arrived in Bengaluru from Dubai on an Emirates flight on Monday. Authorities suspect that two individuals accompanying her were carrying the smuggled gold in briefcases. Acting on specific intelligence, a DRI team intercepted the trio as they were nearing the airport’s exit, leading to a thorough search.

Seizure at the Airport

According to an official statement issued by the DRI, investigators discovered gold bars ingeniously concealed on Rao’s person. “Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were recovered. The contraband, valued at ₹12.56 crore, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962,” the statement read.

Raid at Lavelle Road Residence

Following the airport seizure, DRI officers conducted a raid at Rao’s residence on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search yielded additional incriminating evidence. “During the search, officials confiscated gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore,” the agency reported.

Legal Proceedings and Investigation

Rao was placed under arrest under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. “The total seizure in the case stands at ₹17.29 crore, marking a significant crackdown on organized gold smuggling networks,” the DRI statement added. Officials further highlighted that the 14.2 kg gold seizure is one of the largest such recoveries at Bengaluru airport in recent times.

Suspicious Travel Patterns and DRI Surveillance

Authorities had been monitoring Rao due to her frequent short trips to Gulf countries, which had raised suspicion. Reports suggest that her travel history played a crucial role in bringing her under the DRI’s radar, ultimately leading to her arrest.

Family Background

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer. The officer had lost his first wife and later remarried a woman who had two daughters from her previous marriage, one of whom is Ranya. Despite her family’s law enforcement background, Rao now faces serious legal consequences as investigators probe her possible connections to a larger smuggling network.