Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested on Wednesday (March 5) at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai, was paid Rs 1 lakh per kilogram for the smuggled gold. According to an India Today report, sources revealed that Ranya was paid Rs 1 lakh per kilogram of smuggled gold, meaning she allegedly earned Rs 12-13 lakh per trip.
It may be noted that the officials seized nearly 15 kilograms of gold bars, valued at approximately Rs 12.56 crore, from her possession. As the investigation unfolds, more shocking details about her alleged smuggling activities are coming to light.
Ranya, who is the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, is believed to have traveled to Dubai around 30 times over the past year. During each trip, she reportedly smuggled several kilos of gold into India.
During the investigation, the officials also discovered that Ranya used customised jackets and waist belts specially designed to conceal gold bars. These modified garments were repeatedly used in her smuggling operations. When the Kannada actress was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the gold bars were hidden inside her modified jacket.
Ranya Rao – Daughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao
Authorities had reportedly been monitoring Ranya for some time due to her unusually frequent Dubai trips. On Wednesday, DRI officials intercepted her just before she could clear airport security.
After being stopped, Ranya identified herself as the daughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who currently serves as the DGP of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. However, based on prior intelligence, officials proceeded to frisk her — ultimately leading to the recovery of the smuggled gold.
The total seizure in the case now stands at Rs 17.29 crore, including assets worth Rs 4.73 crore.
IPS officer Ramachandra Rao reacts to daughter’s arrest
Reacting to the shocking news, Ramachandra Rao expressed his disbelief and said he had no prior knowledge of his stepdaughter’s activities.
“I was shocked and devastated when I first heard about it through the media. I was completely unaware of any such involvement. Like any other father, this news came as a shock to me. She has not been living with us; she stays separately with her husband. There may be some family issues between them. Either way, the law will take its course. I have had a spotless career, and I would like to maintain that. I have nothing further to say,” he told ANI.