Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested For Smuggling 14.8 Kg Gold From Dubai, DGP Stepfather Distances Himself From Case

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, known for her roles in Maanikya and Pataki, has been arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The arrest, which took place on 3 March, has sent shockwaves across Karnataka, particularly because Ranya is the stepdaughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dr K Ramachandra Rao.

However, the DGP has distanced himself from the controversy, stating that he has had no contact with his stepdaughter in months.

Speaking to the media, he emphasised that he was unaware of her activities or business dealings and expressed shock over the allegations.

“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,” he was quoted as saying by The Hindustan Times.

A team of officials was deployed at the Bengaluru airport, and as soon as her flight from Dubai landed, she was taken into custody.

Following her arrest, Ranya was produced before a special court for financial offences on 4 March.

The court ruled in favor of judicial custody until 18 March, extending her detention as the investigation continues. Before being transferred, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru.

Although Ranya has maintained that her visit to Dubai was for business, the DRI insists that the seized gold was intended to be smuggled into India.

Political Reactions and Legal Stand

The arrest has sparked a political debate, with Congress MLA and Legal Advisor to the Karnataka Chief Minister, A S Ponnanna, asserting that there will be no special treatment. “She is an accused for indulging in smuggling. The law will take its course, whether she is the DGP's, the CM's or the Prime Minister's daughter...If there is any official nexus involved in this, it will come out in the investigation,” he stated.