NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) flagged Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao’s travel history, citing entries in her passport and available data. Investigators revealed that she had visited Dubai 27 times and traveled to over 45 countries despite having no professional job or multiple film assignments that would justify such frequent international trips.
“She is neither a working professional nor does she have multiple film assignments that warrant frequent travel to foreign countries,” investigators pointed out.
On Wednesday, the DRI confirmed the seizure of gold bars worth Rs 15 crore from Ranya Rao at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. Following her arrest, searches at her Lavelle Road residence led to the recovery of gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore. Officials stated that the total seizure in the case stood at Rs 17.29 crore.
According to the DRI, the 14.2 kg gold haul is among the largest recent seizures at Bengaluru airport. The Ministry of Finance, in a statement, detailed the operation, stating that the DRI intercepted a 33-year-old Indian woman who had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight on March 3.
The Ministry confirmed that the contraband, valued at Rs 12.56 crore, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. “Following the interception, DRI officers searched her residence on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she lives with her husband. The search led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore,” the statement added.
Ranya Rao was subsequently arrested under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act and remanded to judicial custody.
Meanwhile, Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara refrained from commenting on the case, stating that the investigation is still ongoing. “The DRI is handling the case, and until they provide definite information, I cannot comment. Let them complete their inquiry first. Internally, I have asked our department to look into it, and they will gather some information,” he told reporters.
Her stepfather, senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, distanced himself from the matter, asserting that the law would take its course. He revealed that Ranya had married just four months ago and had not visited them since. “This news came as a huge shock and disappointment,” he said, adding that he was unaware of her or her husband’s business dealings.
(With inputs from agencies)
