‘Investigation is ongoing, let DRI complete its probe’: Home Minister on actress Ranya Rao’s arrest

BENGALURU: Following the arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai,  Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the investigation is ongoing and assured that the law applies equally to everyone.

“The investigation is underway. The DRI is handling the case, and until they come out with definite information, I will not be able to comment. Let them complete their investigation. Since the DRI is a Central agency, I cannot say anything. However, I have asked the department to look into it internally, and they will definitely get some information,” Parameshwara told reporters.

Ranya Rao, known for her roles in films like ‘Maanikya’ and ‘Pataki,’ was arrested by the DRI on March 3, 2025, in Bengaluru.  The Karnataka government said that the law was the same for all.

Congress MLA and Legal Advisor to the Karnataka Chief Minister, AS Ponnanna, issued a statement regarding the arrest, emphasizing that no one would receive special treatment.

“She has been accused of smuggling, and the law will take its course — whether she is the daughter of the DGP, the Chief Minister, or the Prime Minister. If any official nexus is involved, the investigation will reveal it,” Ponnanna said.

The arrest came after allegations that Ranya was involved in smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai into India.

Ranya, the stepdaughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dr K Ramachandra Rao, was detained at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) upon arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight.

Acting on a tip-off about her suspected involvement in gold smuggling, DRI officials stationed a team at the airport before her arrival. Upon landing, she was immediately taken into custody.

On March 4, 2025, Ranya was produced before a special court for financial offenses, where she was remanded to judicial custody till March 18, 2025. Before being transferred to custody, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru.

During questioning, Ranya claimed that her visit to Dubai was for business purposes. However, DRI officials allege that she was carrying a significant amount of gold intended to be smuggled into India.

According to the DRI, the gold in her possession weighed 14.8 kilograms. She remains in judicial custody as the investigation continues. (ANI)