Ranya Rao came under the officials' radar due to her frequent trips to Dubai
The news of Kannada actress Ranya Rao being arrested for allegedly smuggling gold, left her fans in deep shock. According to various media reports she was arrested on Monday night by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Daughter of Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, she was in possession of 14.8 kg gold at the time of her arrest. After being produced before a special court judge for financial offences, she was remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
As further investigation is underway, recent media reports suggest that new details on the matter have emerged. According to the Free Press Journal, Rao had travelled to Dubai more than 30 times over the past year. On her every trip she allegedly brought back several kgs of gold. Quoting sources of the India Today report, the media publication stated that she was paid Rs 1 lakh per kilogram of the smuggled gold. It was how she earned Rs 12-13 lakhs, per Dubai trip.
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The report added that she had apparently been on the officials' radar for quite some time for her frequent trips to Dubai. For those who don't know, just as she was about to clear airport security after her return the DRI authorities intercepted her based on their intelligence. It was during the investigation, it was revealed that she is IPS officer Ramachandra Rao's daughter, who is serving as DGP (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation). Despite her statements, the authorities continue to investigate the matter.
Free Press Journal reports that the total seizure has amounted to Rs 17.29 crore, including assets worth Rs 4.73 crore. It was revealed that Ranya used modified jackets and waist belts during her smuggling operations. She had concealed gold bards inside her jacket, when the DRI held her.
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For those who don't know, Ranya Rao hails from Chikmagalur, Karnataka. She pursued engineering at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru before deciding to enter the entertainment industry. Having made her acting debut with the Kannada film Maanikya (2014), directed by Sudeep. Co-starring the filmmaker himself, the actress essayed the role of a wealthy young woman and the male lead's love interest. She ventured into the Tamil film industry with the film Wagah (2016), co-starring Vikram Prabhu. She returned to the Kannada film industry with Pataki (2017).