14.2 Kg Gold Bars Worth Rs 12.56 Crore Seized from Kannada Actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru Airport
In a significant operation, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) confiscated 14.2 kg of gold bars worth approximately Rs 12.56 crore from Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The announcement was made by the DRI on Wednesday.
Stepdaughter of Senior IPS Officer Caught in Gold Smuggling Case
A senior police official informed PTI that Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Ramachandra Rao. The official also stated that Ramachandra Rao currently holds the position of Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
The entire operation led to the seizure of items worth Rs 17.29 crore, including additional valuables estimated at Rs 4.73 crore.
One of the Largest Gold Seizures at Bengaluru Airport
According to DRI officials, this consignment of 14.2 kg gold is among the most significant recoveries at Bengaluru airport in recent times. A statement released by the Finance Ministry confirmed that the DRI intercepted a passenger carrying foreign-origin gold bars valued at Rs 12.56 crore at the airport.
Gold Concealed in Stick Form and Worn on the Body
Investigations revealed that Ranya Rao frequently traveled abroad. To smuggle the gold, she concealed bars in her clothing while also wearing some pieces on her body. Officials confirmed that she is the daughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who currently serves as the Director General of Police (DGP) for the Karnataka Police Housing Corporation.
The Finance Ministry’s statement detailed the incident, stating, “Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officials intercepted a 33-year-old Indian female passenger upon her arrival in Bengaluru from Dubai on March 3 via an Emirates flight. A thorough examination led to the discovery of 14.2 kg of gold bars that had been carefully hidden.”
Gold and Cash Seized During Residence Search
Following this major bust, DRI officials conducted a search at Ranya Rao’s residence on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. During the operation, they recovered gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.
The Finance Ministry confirmed that the confiscated goods, worth Rs 12.56 crore, were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Subsequently, Ranya Rao was arrested and presented in court, where she was remanded to judicial custody under the relevant sections of the act.
This incident highlights the continued efforts of enforcement agencies in cracking down on gold smuggling networks and maintaining strict vigilance at international entry points.
