March 6, 2025: Kannada Actress Ranya Rao has scripted a real story that has captivated both the political and entertainment worlds, the actress has found herself at the center of a multi-crore gold smuggling scandal. Arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport, Ranya, the stepdaughter of Karnataka’s DGP K Ramachandra Rao, was caught with 14.2 kg of gold strapped to her body.
What initially seemed like a glittering career on the big screen has now spiraled into a shocking fall from grace, as authorities uncover a trail of smuggled gold, cash, and political connections that could have far-reaching consequences.
The arrest of Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) for the Police Housing Corporation, K Ramachandra Rao, has sent shockwaves through the state. The actress was intercepted at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on the night of March 3, 2025, with 14.2 kg of gold bars hidden beneath her clothing.
Authorities say that the actress had been under close surveillance due to her repeated international travels, with reports suggesting she made over 10 trips to the Gulf this year alone. During these trips, Ranya reportedly followed a pattern, concealing the gold under attire designed to hide the contraband.
Upon her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight, DRI officials took immediate action, arresting Ranya at the airport. The subsequent raid on her luxury Lavelle Road apartment uncovered an additional Rs 2.1 crore worth of designer gold jewelry and Rs 2.7 crore in cash, deepening the mystery.
DGP Reacts: Shock and Devastation about his daughter Ranya Rao’s Act
K Ramachandra Rao, the DGP of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, expressed shock and devastation upon learning of his daughter’s arrest, which came through media reports. Speaking to ANI on March 5, 2025, he distanced himself from the case, asserting, “The law will do its job. There is no black mark on my career.”
However, the case has triggered political stirrings within the state. The involvement of high-profile personalities such as Ranya Rao has raised questions about the depth of the smuggling operation. Sources indicate that the seized gold ornaments were allegedly procured through a well-known jewellery boutique in Bengaluru’s central business district. Preliminary investigations suggest that the ornaments may have been bought on behalf of a prominent politician. Authorities are now tracing the financial pathways behind the transactions.
Expanding Investigation
As the investigation broadens, Karnataka’s Home Minister, G Parameshwara, has demanded a comprehensive report from the police regarding the smuggling operation. Congress MLAs in the state have also called for a deeper probe into the matter, with the case gaining political traction.
Ranya Rao‘s arrest adds fuel to the fire of concerns over international smuggling networks and their links to influential individuals in Karnataka. Officials are continuing their investigation into the origins of the smuggled gold and the players involved in the larger network.
Ranya Rao, who was remanded to 14-day judicial custody following her appearance before a magistrate on March 4, 2025, now faces serious charges related to gold smuggling and money laundering. As this case unfolds, it is expected to raise numerous questions about political and business connections in the smuggling operations, with further developments awaited.