Popular Kannada actor Ranya Rao has admitted to smuggling 17 gold bars, following her arrest at Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night. The 33-year-old, who was caught carrying 14.8 kg of gold worth Rs 14.56 crore, was intercepted by revenue officials after making four trips to Dubai in 15 days, triggering suspicion.
Ranya Rao Confesses to Gold Smuggling, Reveals Travel History
In a leaked statement, Ranya Rao confessed to smuggling gold and disclosed her international travel history, which includes frequent visits to the Middle East, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the US.
“I have traveled to Europe, America, and (the) Middle East and have visited Dubai, Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest,” she admitted in her confession to revenue officials.
Authorities revealed that the actor had taken 27 trips to Dubai in the past year, raising concerns about her involvement in a larger smuggling network.
Ranya Rao detailed her family background in her confession, stating that her father is KS Hegdesh, a real estate businessman, while her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, is an architect based in Bengaluru. Her stepfather, senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, currently serving as Director-General of Police (DGP) of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, has denied any involvement in the case.
ALSO READ: ‘Shocked, devastated’: Karnataka DGP reacts to daughter Ranya Rao’s arrest over gold smuggling charges
“I am shocked and devastated. I have had no contact with Ranya since her marriage four months ago. My career has been spotless, and I should not be linked to this incident,” said the senior officer.
Ranya Rao’s Role in Gold Smuggling Network Exposed
According to investigative reports, Ranya Rao allegedly worked as a carrier for a smuggling syndicate and was paid Rs 4-5 lakh per kilogram of gold smuggled from Dubai to Bengaluru. Officials discovered that she would wear some of the gold while hiding the rest in her clothing to avoid detection.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs officials raided her residence following her arrest and recovered gold jewelry worth Rs 2 crore and Indian currency worth Rs 2.67 crore.
Officials revealed that Ranya Rao was just one step away from exiting the airport when security personnel stopped her for questioning.
ALSO READ: 4 Dubai visits in 15 days: How DRI grew suspicious of Kannada actor Ranya Rao and caught her ‘smuggling’ gold
A source close to the investigation confirmed: “She was under surveillance due to her frequent international trips. When officers confronted her, she failed to provide satisfactory answers, leading to a thorough search and seizure of the gold.”
This incident marks one of the largest gold seizures at Bengaluru airport in recent times.
Judicial Custody and Future Legal Proceedings
Ranya Rao is currently in judicial custody and has offered full cooperation to investigators. She emphasized that her confession was voluntary and that she was not coerced into making any statements.
“I have been treated fairly and provided food, but I wasn’t hungry,” she reportedly said during her questioning.
The arrest of a well-known actor has once again put the spotlight on gold smuggling operations in India, especially involving celebrities and high-profile individuals. Authorities are now investigating whether more actors or industry insiders are linked to this smuggling racket.
