A special court in Bengaluru has rejected the bail plea of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested on March 4 for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately ₹12 crore, into India.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Rao at Kempegowda International Airport upon her arrival from Dubai.
Subsequent searches of her Lavelle Road residence led to the seizure of ₹2.1 crore worth of gold ornaments and ₹2.7 crore in cash. The DRI has sought the assistance of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expand the probe internationally, indicating potential links to a broader smuggling syndicate.
Rao, the stepdaughter of Karnataka Police Housing Corporation DGP Ramachandra Rao, has reportedly confessed to smuggling 17 gold bars. The court’s decision to deny bail underscores the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing investigation into the smuggling network.
