Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been hit with a penalty of Rs 102 crore by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with a major gold smuggling racket. The case drew significant attention earlier this year after Rao was caught attempting to bring in a large consignment of gold from Dubai.
She was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport when officials seized 14.2 kilograms of gold from her possession. The bust was one of the biggest in recent months and sent shockwaves through both the Kannada film industry and the state’s business circles.
Investigators claim Rao was at the center of the smuggling operation, coordinating with others to move the bullion. Along with her, businessman Tarun Kondaraju and jewellers Sahil Sakharia Jain and Bharat Kumar Jain were also arrested for their alleged roles in transporting, selling, and laundering the proceeds through hawala networks. All four remain in custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
