"Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Scandal: 27 Dubai Trips in Just 12 Months"

In a significant operation at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Kannada actress Ranya Rao was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The arrest followed the seizure of 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at approximately ₹14.56 crore, revealing a sophisticated smuggling scheme involving frequent trips to Dubai. Rao's involvement was suspected due to her 27 trips to Dubai within a single year, raising red flags among authorities.

Ranya Rao, who is also known by her connection as the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, found herself at the center of an investigation that uncovered her role in a larger gold smuggling network. Rao was purportedly compensated with commissions between ₹4 lakh and ₹5 lakh for each kilogram of gold she successfully smuggled from Dubai to Bengaluru. This lucrative operation was abruptly halted upon her detention at the airport.

Following her apprehension, the DRI conducted a thorough search of Rao's residence on Lavelle Road, which she shares with her husband. This search led to the discovery of gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and a substantial sum of ₹2.67 crore in cash. These findings further implicated Rao in the gold smuggling operation, illustrating the extensive nature of her involvement.

The legal proceedings took a turn when the Customs department requested a four-day extension of Rao's custody for further interrogation. Arguing against this request, Rao's legal representative contended that the DRI had no new inquiries, having questioned her extensively upon her initial arrest. The court is yet to make a final decision regarding the extension of custody.

This case has highlighted the intricate details of gold smuggling networks that exploit frequent international travel for illegal gains. With Ranya Rao's arrest, authorities aim to dismantle such operations and prevent the illegal flow of gold into India. The ongoing investigation seeks to understand the full scope of Rao's involvement and potentially identify other participants in the smuggling network.