Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested in a gold smuggling case, has claimed that DRI officers slapped her multiple times, denied her food, and made her sign blank documents. In a letter to the Additional Director General of DRI, Ranya said she is innocent and was wrongly involved in the case, reported by India Today
Ranya Rao said that “From the moment of my apprehension until I was presented in court, I was physically assaulted, slapped 1015 times by officers whom I can identify. Despite repeated assaults, I refused to sign the statements they prepared,”
The strong letter was written a day after a special Bengaluru court denied Ranya bail in the smuggling case, which has had many surprises. Ranya, who was in DRI custody for three days, has now been sent to 15 days of judicial custody.
Ranya Rao Arrested For Gold Smuggling
Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, was arrested on March 4, 2025, for allegedly trying to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold worth Rs 12 crore into India. She was caught at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while returning from Dubai.
Gold Hidden In Waist Belt
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) found the gold hidden in a special waist belt. After searching her house in Bengaluru, they also found gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. In total, the authorities seized assets worth Rs 17.29 crore.
Alleged Smuggling Trips To Dubai
Investigations showed that Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, had made about 30 trips to Dubai in the past year. It is believed that she smuggled large amounts of gold on each trip. She reportedly earned Rs 1 lakh for every kilogram of gold she smuggled, making around Rs 12-13 lakh per trip.
Ranya Rao’s Statement During Interrogation
During questioning, Ranya Rao said she received calls from unknown numbers telling her to meet someone at Dubai airport. She claimed that she learned how to hide gold by watching YouTube videos.
Stepfather’s Alleged Involvement
Investigations also found that Ranya’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (DGP), had asked a constable to help her at Bengaluru Airport. This assistance was given as part of her travels.
ED Raids In Karnataka
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started raids in Karnataka in connection with the case. They believe there is an international gold smuggling network involved.
CBI Investigates Wedding Connections
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also looking into footage from Ranya’s recent wedding. They are checking the guest list and expensive gifts she received to find possible links to the smuggling ring.
