Kannada actress Ranya Rao was taken into custody by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence at Bengaluru International Airport after authorities discovered 14.8 kg of gold in her possession. Officials presented Ranya Rao before an economic offences court, which ordered her to remain in judicial custody for 14 days.

Known for starring alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep in Maanikya (2014), Ranya Rao had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight and was under surveillance due to her frequent international trips. Investigators disclosed that she allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a large portion of it while also concealing gold bars within her clothing.

Authorities launched a targeted operation after discovering that the actress had flown to Dubai four times in just 15 days. Preliminary findings suggest that she may have attempted to use her connections to evade customs scrutiny. Officials are now probing whether she acted alone or was part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India.