Kannada actor Ranya Rao, daughter of a senior police officer, was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling nearly 15 kg of gold from Dubai. Authorities suspect she was part of a larger syndicate exploiting security loopholes.
Smuggling Operation Uncovered at Bengaluru Airport
Ranya Rao, known for her roles in Kannada and Tamil cinema, was intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3. Officials, acting on a tip-off, conducted a search and found gold bars concealed in a belt strapped to her body. An additional 800 grams of gold ornaments were also recovered. The seized gold is estimated to be worth over Rs 12 crore.
Following her arrest, she was produced before the Special Court for Economic Offences on March 4 and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. Authorities believe her arrest could unravel a broader gold smuggling network operating through Bengaluru’s international airport.
Frequent Dubai Trips Raise Red Flags
Officials had been monitoring Ranya’s movements for months, as she had made over ten short-duration trips to Dubai recently despite having no declared business interests there. Her frequent travel patterns raised suspicions, leading to surveillance and eventual interception at the airport.
On March 2, she allegedly attempted to walk out of the airport unchecked, escorted by a constable from the International Airport Police Station. However, DRI officers stepped in before she could exit. During previous trips, she reportedly wore similar clothing, likely to facilitate smuggling using a concealed belt.
“She appeared extremely confident and showed no signs of nervousness during questioning,” an official noted. However, the pattern of her recent travel and attire ultimately contributed to her capture.
Exploiting Protocol Services to Evade Security
Investigators suspect that Ranya Rao leveraged protocol services intended for senior bureaucrats, including IPS officers, to evade security checks. A protocol officer would reportedly meet her upon arrival and escort her out of the terminal, ensuring she was not subjected to frisking. She would then leave the airport in a government vehicle, bypassing standard security scrutiny.
Authorities are now probing whether law enforcement officials knowingly assisted her or were misled into facilitating her activities. The constable who attempted to escort her out was detained and questioned before being released. His statement is expected to be crucial in determining whether there was an organized effort to shield her from security checks.
Bigger Smuggling Network Under Investigation
Officials are investigating the possibility of a larger smuggling syndicate operating through Bengaluru airport. Ranya’s arrest has raised questions about whether other high-profile individuals or airport personnel were involved.
Authorities are also examining whether her father’s senior position in the police force played any role in helping her evade scrutiny during previous trips. If proven, it could expose systemic weaknesses in airport security and lead to further arrests.
As the investigation unfolds, more names may emerge, shedding light on how smugglers exploit official channels to carry out illegal activities.
