Bengaluru, March 5: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Wednesday directed for an internal report from the Home Department regarding the arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao in a multi-crore gold smuggling case.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Parameshwara stated, “The investigation is ongoing, and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is handling the case. I cannot comment further until they provide more information.”
Parameshwara added that the police chief was involved in the discussion, and the department is looking into the matter for further details. He also emphasized that the DRI, as a central agency, is leading the investigation.
Ranya Rao, the 31-year-old actress and daughter of a senior IPS officer, was arrested on Monday night at Kempegowda International Airport after arriving from Dubai. Authorities allege she smuggled 14 gold bars hidden on her body using adhesive and tape. A total of 17.29 kg of gold and cash has been seized so far.
Investigations suggest Rao exploited her father’s position as Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation) to bypass security checks, even calling police personnel to escort her home upon arrival.
Following her arrest, the DRI raided her apartment in Bengaluru, uncovering more gold and cash, bringing the total seizure to 17.29 kg of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
Ranya Rao, who has acted in South Indian films like Maanikya, was remanded to judicial custody as investigations continue into the smuggling network and any potential accomplices. Her father has denied involvement, stating they have not been in contact since her marriage four months ago.
