Kannada actress Ranya Rao has found herself at the center of a high-profile gold smuggling case. On March 3, 2025, she was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru upon her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight. Authorities intercepted her with 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore concealed on her person.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had been monitoring Rao’s movements due to her frequent trips to Dubai. Over the past year, she had traveled to Dubai 30 times, allegedly smuggling large quantities of gold on each trip. Rao used modified jackets and waist belts to hide the gold bars, taping them to her body to evade detection.
Following her arrest, DRI officials raided her upscale residence on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru, where they seized gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total value of assets recovered in the case to ₹17.29 crore. Investigators are now probing whether Rao’s husband, Jatin Hukkeri, was involved in the smuggling operation.
Ranya Rao, who is also the stepdaughter of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation’s Director General of Police (DGP) Ramachandra Rao, faces charges under the Customs Act. She could face fines and up to three years in prison. The case has intensified media scrutiny due to her connections with influential figures, including a prominent politician.
As the investigation continues, Rao remains in judicial custody, and the court will ultimately decide her punishment. The case has raised questions about the involvement of other influential figures and the extent of the smuggling network.
