March 5, 2025 – Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was snatched by the Department of Income Tax (DRI) on March 3, 2025 while smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore at the Kampegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bangalore. A sum of Rs 2.67 crore and gold jewelery worth Rs 2.06 crore were seized from her residence. The total forfeiture value is Rs 17.29 crore. Read all the details of the Ranya Rao smuggling case here.
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| "Ranya Rao husband Jatin," "Karnataka actress arrested." |
Ranya Rao arrested for gold smuggling at KIA
Ranya Rao landed at KIA on an Emirates flight from Dubai on March 3 and was intercepted by DRI personnel. She tried to cross security with the help of Police Constable Basavaraju, as she was arrested by Karnataka DGP (Inspector General) K.S. Stepmother of Ramachandra Rao. However, DRI personnel seized 14.2 kg of gold from the jacket.
Gold Price: Rs 12.56 crore
Abduction date: Monday, March 3, 2025
Venue: Kampe Gowda International Airport, Bangalore
Rao claimed she was "raped to him", which is under investigation. She is under questioning at the DRI office in Nagwar.
H2: Raids at Rani Rao’s residence unearthed more evidence
On March 4, DRI personnel raided Nandwani Manson’s residence on Lovell Road. There was more testimony.
What was seized
- Amount: Rs 2.67 crore
- Gold jewellery: worth Rs 2.06 crore
- Overall forfeiture: Rs 17.29 crore (including airport gold)
DRI personnel carried off three large boxes, reporting a network of undercover smugglers. According to the DRI, Rao may be linked to an international smuggling ring, which includes drug money laundering.
Ranya Rao’s legal status and research precautions
On March 4, she appeared before the Special Court for Financial Offenses and was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days under the 1962 Customs Rules. She was remanded in a "quarantine" cell at Parappanagrahara Central Jail till March
Ongoing investigations
- Itinerary: 30 trips from Dubai last year, 4 trips in the last 15 days (is there a business connection?).
- Husband: Mr. Jatin was called for questioning.
- Police complicity: Constable Basavaraju-deeds traceable, links with other personnel likely.
DRI personnel analyzing security street scenes, want to determine Rao's role (envoy or key member).
What is Ranya Rao? and family relationships
Ranya Rao is famous in the Kannada and Tamil film industry ("Manikya", "Wagha" etc.). Her stepfather, K.S. Ramachandra Rao, DGP, Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. On March 5, he told ANI – "I am surprised, justice will run fairly."
Authority responses and public influence
Karnataka Home Minister G.K. God spoke on March 5 – "The DRI is investigating, we are waiting for the findings. The rules are the same for everyone." This is the biggest seizure in the history of the KIA, which raises questions of privilege in the smuggling operation in India.
What’s next in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case?
- The investigation is ongoing. DRI-focused topics:
- Drug relationships
- Trips to Dubai
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