Ranya Rao told Customs officials in Dubai she was taking gold to Geneva

BENGALURU: Ongoing investigation into the gold smuggling cases involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao has revealed that she claimed she was taking gold from Dubai to Geneva. She had actually purchased it in Dubai on November 13 and December 20, 2024.

She lied to Customs officials in Dubai, saying she was living in Geneva, and managed to bring in gold worth crores of rupees. This isn’t the first time she’s been accused of smuggling gold using the same modus operandi. The DRI officials have mentioned this in their records, raising suspicions about her activities.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), expressing strong suspicions against Ranya Rao’s activities, has alleged that Ranya Rao is a habitual offender and was involved in continuous smuggling activities while living abroad. She has been accused of smuggling gold into India while staying outside the country for six months, resulting in a loss of 38.5 per cent tax revenue, equivalent to Rs 4.83 crore on the 14 kg of gold that was seized from her at the Kempegowda International Airport recently.

The DRI suspects that Ranya Rao has been involved in gold smuggling in the past as well. She allegedly purchased gold in Dubai and smuggled it into India, evading Customs officials by providing false information. This was not the first time Rao has been accused of gold smuggling, and the DRI is investigating her activities further.

When Ranya Rao arrived at Bengaluru Airport with the gold worth Rs 12.56 crore, she attempted to exit through the green channel. However, her suspicious behaviour raised concerns, leading to her checkings. Upon examining her baggage, no suspicious items were found.

Finally, she was subjected to a physical examination, during which her abdominal area was scanned. Gold bars were found hidden in Ranya Rao’s thighs and shoes during the physical examination. To conceal the gold, she had used crepe bandages.