South Indian actress Ranya Rao has been arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling racket. The arrest follows weeks of surveillance after officials noticed a suspicious pattern in her international travel, reports a news flash in Aajtak.
Ramya Rao, who had been on the DRI’s radar, reportedly traveled to Dubai 30 times over the past year, allegedly smuggling gold on each trip. However, it was her frequent visits—four trips in just 15 days—that triggered intense scrutiny. Officials launched a covert operation to track her movements, leading to her arrest on Monday upon arrival in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight.
Several reports reveal that Rao had devised an elaborate method to smuggle gold, using customized jackets and belts with hidden compartments. She reportedly wore gold jewelry to avoid suspicion and also concealed gold bars within her clothing. Investigators believe she managed to bypass airport security checks due to insider connections, raising concerns about possible collusion with airport staff.
According to an India Today report, sources revealed that she was paid Rs 1 lakh per kilogram of smuggled gold, potentially earning Rs 12-13 lakh per trip.
Ranya Rao, known for her roles in South Indian cinema, made her debut with Maanikya, where she starred alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep. She also played a lead role in the Vikram Prabhu-starrer Wagah. Her arrest has sent shockwaves through the film industry, with fans and colleagues expressing disbelief over the allegations.
