NEW DELHI: Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, daughter of DGP (Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold.
She was caught with 14kg of gold bars strapped to her body in a hidden belt, along with 800g of gold ornaments. A court has remanded her to 14-day judicial custody. DRI officials had been tracking her due to over 10 trips to the Gulf since January 2025. In her last four trips within 15 days, she reportedly wore similar attire to conceal the belt. Investigators suspect she exploited protocol privileges, as a protocol officer met her at the terminal, escorted her out, and a government vehicle picked her up, ensuring she avoided routine checks.
Her father, DGP Ramachandra Rao, distanced himself from her actions, stating she hasn’t visited home since her wedding four months ago. Notably, in 2014, when Rao was IGP, Mysuru police faced a controversy over misappropriated seized cash, leading to an investigation.
Actor Ranya Rao arrested: Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, daughter of DGP (Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, was arrested by DRI at Bengaluru airport for gold smuggling.
Gold Concealment: She was caught with 14kg of gold bars hidden in a belt strapped to her body and 800g of gold ornaments.
Judicial Custody: A court remanded her to 14-day judicial custody after her arrest on Monday night.
Frequent Gulf Trips: Ranya had made over 10 trips to the Gulf since January 2025, raising DRI’s suspicion.
Similar Attire in Past Trips: In her last four trips within 15 days, she dressed similarly, keeping the belt hidden.
Protocol Loophole: A protocol officer met her at the terminal, escorted her out, and a government vehicle picked her up, preventing security checks.
Past Controversy: In 2014, when Rao was IGP, Mysuru police faced allegations of misappropriating seized cash, leading to an investigation.
