On March 3, 2025, Ranya Rao, a Kannada film actress and stepdaughter of Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) K. Ramachandra Rao, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. She was apprehended upon arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight, allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold valued at over ₹12 crore. The gold, consisting of bars and ornaments, was concealed in a belt strapped to her body and within her clothing. Following her arrest, she was presented before a Special Court for Economic Offences on March 4 and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, until March 18.

The DRI acted on a tip-off and had placed Ranya under surveillance due to her frequent international trips, including four visits to Dubai within 15 days. Authorities suspect she may be part of a larger gold smuggling syndicate operating through Bengaluru. During the incident, Ranya reportedly attempted to bypass customs checks, claiming to be the DGP’s daughter and seeking a police escort, though DRI officials intervened. A subsequent search of her Lavelle Road residence, where she lives with her husband Jatin Hukkeri, an architect, led to the seizure of gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total value of seized assets to ₹17.29 crore.

Ranya, known for roles in films like Maanikya (2014) and Pataki (2017), claimed during questioning that she was blackmailed into smuggling the gold, a statement currently under investigation. Her stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, expressed shock and distanced himself from her actions, noting that she had been living separately with her husband since their marriage four months prior and that he had no knowledge of her activities. He stated, “The law will take its course,” emphasizing his lack of involvement.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara refrained from commenting extensively, citing the ongoing DRI investigation, while Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna, legal advisor to the Chief Minister, underscored that the law applies equally to all, regardless of her familial ties. The investigation continues to explore potential law enforcement connections and the extent of the smuggling network.

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