Kannada actress Ranya Rao, arrested in connection with a gold smuggling case, is unlikely to be released any time soon, according to sources within the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The actress has allegedly smuggled a staggering 127 kilograms of gold over the past year, with the total market value estimated at around ₹102 crores, as detailed in the ED’s charge sheet presented in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court.
Rao was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport in 2025, where authorities discovered gold worth ₹12 crores in her possession, leading to a thorough investigation. As the ED delved deeper into the case, shocking revelations emerged about the extent of her alleged smuggling activities, sparking widespread public interest and concern.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has warned that if Rao fails to settle the money accrued through her illegal activities, her assets may be seized. Currently, she has been languishing in Parappana Agrahara jail for over ten months. Despite filing multiple petitions for bail, the courts have consistently denied her requests, prolonging her stay behind bars.
Investigations by the DRI revealed that Ranya Rao made an astonishing 56 trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025. Notably, during these travels, she frequently accompanied a person named Tarun, with evidence indicating that they traveled together 20 times. The frequency and nature of these trips raised red flags for investigators, prompting them to conduct a search of her residence.
During the search, authorities uncovered significant evidence that pointed to a well-organized smuggling operation. Ranya’s attempts to provide plausible explanations for her travels were met with skepticism from investigators, leading to further scrutiny of her activities. The investigation has not only highlighted the actress’s alleged involvement in gold smuggling but also raised questions about the broader implications of such illicit trade within the region.
The case has drawn considerable media attention, with many speculating on the potential ramifications for Ranya Rao’s career and personal life. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public remains eager to learn more about the details of her alleged offenses and the impact of her actions on the entertainment industry. With authorities determined to clamp down on smuggling operations, Ranya Rao finds herself at the center of a legal storm that could alter the course of her life forever.
