Who's Ranya Rao? Actor-IPS officer's daughter arrested for smuggling gold
What's the story
Kannada film actor Ranya Rao has been detained by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8kg of gold from Dubai.
She was arrested on Monday night after she arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai.
Rao was produced before a judge on Tuesday evening, and she was remanded to a 14-day judicial custody.
Here's all you need to know about the actor.
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Rao made her film debut in 2014
Hailing from Karnataka's Chikamagaluru, Rao is a 32-year-old actor who has acted in multiple South Indian films.
Rao made her film debut in 2014 opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in Maanikya. She is also known for Wagah (2016) and Pataki (2017).
The stepdaughter of DGP-rank senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Dr. K Ramachandra Rao, she completed her engineering degree from Bengaluru's Dayanad Sagar College of Engineering.
Notably, Ramachandra has distanced himself from the incident.
Family reaction
Rao's father 'completely unaware' of daughter's activities
Speaking to Times of India, Ramachandra said he was "completely unaware" of her or her husband's business dealings and expressed disappointment over the incident.
According to him, Rao had married a city-based architect, Jatin Hukkeri, four months ago, and since the wedding, she had not visited her parents.
"If there is any violation, the law will take its course," added Sr. Rao.
Smuggling methods
How Rao avoided getting frisked during her frequent trips
DRI had been tracking Rao for her frequent trips to Dubai, which led to this major seizure and arrest.
Rao allegedly wore most of the gold and hid gold bars in her belt to evade suspicion.
Upon landing, she never underwent physical frisking as a protocol officer would come to meet her and escort her out of the building, reported ToI.
Moreover, a government vehicle picked her up outside the airport, ensuring smooth transportation.
Surveillance details
DRI's surveillance led to Rao's arrest
The DRI grew suspicious after Rao traveled to Dubai over 10 times this year.
A four-member DRI team was sent to the Bengaluru airport after learning she had boarded an Emirates flight from Dubai.
After seizing the gold and detaining Rao, they took her to the DRI Headquarters in the HBR locality for questioning. She reportedly claimed her trip was for business purposes.
Before being produced before the judge, she underwent a medical examination.