Who Is Ranya Rao? What Is The Gold Smuggling Case Against The Kannada Actress?
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Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: The case against Ranya Rao came to light on March 3 when she was apprehended by DRI officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao was thrust into the spotlight over her alleged involvement in a high-profile gold smuggling case that has seen her arrested and linked to a multi-crore illicit operation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today raided a medical college in Tumakuru linked to Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara and the ongoing investigation into the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case.
Who is Ranya Rao?
Ranya Rao is an Indian actress and model primarily known for her work in Kannada cinema. She made her debut in the 2014 film Maanikya and has appeared in other Kannada films, including Pataki. Born on May 28, 1993, in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, she is also the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao.
What Is The Gold Smuggling Case In Which Ranya Rao Is Involved?
The case against Ranya Rao came to light on March 3 when she was apprehended by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru upon her arrival from Dubai. Authorities seized 14.2 kg of 24-karat gold bars, valued at over ₹12.56 crore, which were allegedly concealed on her body, including around her waist, calves and in her shoes and pockets.
Subsequent investigations revealed a potentially larger and more complex smuggling network which included Ranya Rao's numerous trips to Dubai – 34 times between 2023 and 2025. Further investigations suggested that she may have smuggled a total of 49.6 kg of gold worth over ₹40 crore with the assistance of a jeweller, Sahil Sakariya Jain, who was also arrested. A subsequent raid on Ranya Rao's residence uncovered gold jewellery worth over ₹2 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore.
Ranya Rao was initially remanded to judicial custody under the Customs Act. While a special court in Bengaluru granted her default bail on May 20 due to the DRI's failure to file a chargesheet within the stipulated 60 days, she remains in custody.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI. The Karnataka government has also formed a special team to probe any potential involvement of her stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, although he has publicly distanced himself from the controversy.
Ranya Rao, along with co-accused Tarun Raju and Sahil Sakariya Jain, is currently lodged at the Bengaluru Central Prison.
First Published:
May 21, 2025, 12:01 IST
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