Ranya Rao, the daughter of Karnataka's Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, has been arrested for her involvement in a gold smuggling case, which the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) believes poses a significant national security threat. Rao, an actress in the Sandalwood industry, was apprehended at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport after she was found carrying 14.8 kg of gold smuggled from Dubai.
Following her arrest, DRI officials carried out a search of her residence in Lavelle Road, where they discovered gold ornaments worth ₹2.1 crore and ₹2.7 crore in cash. Rao's extensive travel record, which includes 27 trips to Dubai and visits to over 45 countries, has raised alarms about her possible involvement in a large international smuggling network. Authorities are investigating her connections to uncover the full extent of the operation and those involved.
The DRI has sought a three-day custodial interrogation of Rao, emphasizing the need to investigate her links to the smuggling syndicate and national security concerns. Although her defense team has requested bail, claiming she resides in Bengaluru and is available for questioning, the DRI has opposed the plea, highlighting the need for further investigation into her activities.
Ranya's father, DGP Ramachandra Rao, has expressed his disbelief, stating that he was unaware of his daughter’s actions and had not seen her since her marriage four months ago. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the full scale of the smuggling ring and ensure justice is served
