The investigation into the gold smuggling incident which saw Kannada actor Ranya Rao being arrested in Bengaluru is likely to focus on her life after marriage, which reportedly happened four months ago. Ranya's step-father Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao had told reporters that she had distanced herself from them post her wedding.
Ranya was arrested at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday for allegedly smuggling 14.2-kilogram gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore.
She is reportedly married to an architect from an influential political family in North Karnataka. Their wedding was a high-profile event held at Taj West End. Post-marriage, they moved out to an apartment at Lavelle Road in Bengaluru. The couple were reportedly paying a hefty amount for the flat every month. The DRI officials had conducted a raid at her residence on Wednesday and gold worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore were seized.
Modus Operandi
Ranya had been using her stepfather's name to evade check on arrival at Kempegowda airport every time she was smuggling gold, according to local media Prajavani.
ALSO READ | Who is actress Ranya Rao’s father, IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao?
On arrival at the Dubai airport, the gold was handed over to Ranya in the toilet. She would then conceal the gold bars in the belt, the report added. In Bengaluru, she would use her stepfather's name to evade detail checks. She is also said to have worn the same dress with belt for the last four trips.
Unconfirmed reports hint that she would also go home with a police escort.
An initial probe revealed Ranya had visited Dubai over 10 times in the last year. According to DRI sources, she smuggled gold every time. She was reportedly paid ₹1 lakh per kg of gold she allegedly smuggled and has managed to earn ₹13 lakh per trip.
Ranya Rao made her debut in the film industry with the film 'Manikya' starring Sudeep. She has since acted in over four movies.