Bengaluru, March 7, 2025 – Popular Kannada actress and model, Ranya Rao, has been caught in a gold smuggling case at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. The 33-year-old actress, who has worked in Kannada and Tamil cinema, was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 4, 2025, while attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold worth over ₹12 crore from Dubai.
The Arrest and Investigation
Ranya Rao was accompanied by her husband, architect Jatin Hukkeri, at the time of her arrest. Reports suggest that the couple had recently tied the knot in November 2024. The DRI officials intercepted them based on intelligence inputs and discovered the hidden gold in their luggage. Both were immediately taken into custody for questioning.
Following their arrest, the authorities produced them before a court, which granted a three-day remand for further investigation. The DRI aims to uncover potential links to a larger smuggling network and determine if more individuals are involved in the operation.
Who is Ranya Rao?
Originally from Chikkamangaluru, Karnataka, Ranya Rao made her film debut in the 2014 Kannada blockbuster Maanikya. Over the years, she has built a career in the South Indian film industry, acting in various Tamil and Kannada films. Her involvement in such a high-profile smuggling case has come as a shock to her fans and the film fraternity.
Gold Smuggling in India: A Growing Concern
The case of Ranya Rao highlights the increasing challenge of gold smuggling in India. Despite the government’s efforts to curb illegal gold imports by reducing customs duties, smugglers continue to find new ways to bypass regulations. According to reports, Indian authorities seized approximately 4,869.6 kilograms of smuggled gold in the fiscal year 2023-2024. Smugglers often use international routes, including those from Dubai, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, to bring illicit gold into the country.
Legal Consequences and Future Proceedings
With Ranya Rao and her husband in custody, the next few days will be crucial in determining the extent of their involvement. If convicted, they could face severe legal penalties under the Customs Act and other relevant laws. Authorities are also investigating whether the couple had prior involvement in smuggling or if this was an isolated incident.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal gold trade and the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in tackling such crimes. The DRI continues to enhance its surveillance and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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