Kannada Actor Ranya Rao Arrested for Smuggling 14 kg Gold
Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold into India. She was caught by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru on March 3 after returning from Dubai. Following her arrest, she was sent to judicial custody from March 4 to March 18.
Ranya Rao’s Statement
During questioning, Ranya admitted to carrying the gold and said that her confession was made voluntarily, without any pressure. However, she also mentioned feeling extremely tired due to a lack of rest. She said, “I have traveled to Europe, America, and the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia. I am very tired because I haven’t had enough rest.”
She also mentioned that while she was offered food after her arrest, she did not eat anything.
Family Reaction
Ranya is the stepdaughter of Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. When asked about her arrest, DGP Rao said he had no knowledge of her activities and was completely unaware of her involvement in smuggling.
He also revealed that Ranya had not visited his house after marrying Jatin Hukkeri four months ago. Expressing his disappointment, DGP Rao stated, “This has come as a complete shock and a huge disappointment. If any law has been broken, justice will be served.”
Ranya’s arrest has sparked widespread discussion among the public and politicians. Congress MLA AS Ponnanna, who is also the legal advisor to the Karnataka Chief Minister, stated that no special treatment would be given to Ranya despite her connections. He assured that the law would take its course, and justice would be served accordingly.
This case has drawn major attention, as authorities continue their investigation into the smuggling network and Ranya’s possible connections with others involved.
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Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested for Smuggling 14.8 Kg Gold; Stepdad, Karnataka DGP, Distances Himself
Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3, 2025, at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. She is accused of trying to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai into India.
Ranya is the stepdaughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. K Ramachandra Rao. However, he has distanced himself from the case, saying, “She got married four months ago and hasn’t visited us since. We have no idea about her or her husband’s business activities. This is shocking and disappointing. The law will take its course.”
The Case Against Ranya
Acting on a tip-off, DRI officials were waiting at the airport when Ranya arrived. She was arrested and later taken for a medical check-up at Bowring Hospital. On March 4, she was presented before a special court for financial crimes, which sent her to judicial custody until March 18, 2025.
Ranya claimed she had gone to Dubai for business, but officials say she was smuggling gold into India. The investigation is still ongoing.
Government's Reaction
Congress MLA and Legal Advisor to the Karnataka Chief Minister, AS Ponnanna, stated that Ranya would not receive any special treatment. He said, “She is accused of smuggling. The law applies equally to everyone, whether they are related to the DGP, CM, or even the Prime Minister. If any officials are involved, the investigation will reveal it.”
Who is Ranya Rao?
Ranya Rao, originally from Chikmagalur, Karnataka, studied engineering at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru before pursuing a career in acting.
She made her debut in 2014 with the Kannada film Maanikya, directed by and starring Sudeep, where she played Manasa, a wealthy young woman and the protagonist’s love interest.
In 2016, she ventured into Tamil cinema with Wagah, a romantic drama alongside Vikram Prabhu. The following year, she returned to Kannada films with Pataki, a comedy in which she played Sangeetha, a journalist and the love interest of Ganesh’s character.