The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday said that the gold bars seized from Kannada actress Ranya Rao at the Kempegowda International Airport were valued at `12.56 Crore. Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, a senior police official said. The DGP-rank officer is currently serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
Her father Rao said he was not aware of daughter’s activities. “She got married four months ago and hasn’t visited us since. We are unaware of her or her husband’s business dealings. This has come as a huge shock and disappointment. The law will take its course,” said Rao, adding “she has let us down.”
The total seizure in the case stood at `17.29 Crore, including assets worth Rs 4.73 Crore, marking a significant blow to organised gold smuggling networks. According to DRI officials, the 14.2 kg haul is one of the largest gold seizures at Bengaluru airport in recent times. In a statement, the Ministry of Finance said the DRI successfully intercepted a passenger carrying foreign-origin gold bars worth `12.56 crore at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
“Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian woman, aged around 33, who had arrived from Dubai to Bengaluru on an Emirates flight on March 3. Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on her person,” the statement read.
According to the Ministry, the contraband, valued at Rs 12.56 crore, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
“Following the interception, DRI officers searched her residence on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she lives with her husband. The search led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 Crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 Crore,” the statement added. The 32 year old actress was charged under the anti-smuggling provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.