Bengaluru, March 12 — Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested in a gold smuggling case, had concealed gold bars in her shoes, bandages, and clothing while passing through Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, according to a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) memo.
The memo states that Rao, who arrived from Dubai on March 3, denied carrying dutiable goods while using the green channel.
However, a metal detector flagged concealed items on her, leading to a search that uncovered 14.2 kg of 24-karat gold wrapped around her waist and calves, with additional bars hidden in her shoes and pockets.
The gold, valued at ₹12.56 crore, was seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
A subsequent search at her Lavelle Road residence, where her husband Jatin Hukkeri was present, led to the seizure of ₹2.67 crore in cash, jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore, and incriminating documents.
DRI officials said Dubai Customs records indicated Rao had declared gold for travel to Geneva but diverted her journey to India. She allegedly failed to explain the source of the seized cash and jewellery, raising suspicions of a larger smuggling network.
Read More: Actress Ranya Rao Remanded in Custody In Gold Smuggling Case
