In a high-profile case that has gripped the public, South Indian actress Rania Rao was arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold, valued at $1.47 million, through Bengaluru’s international airport. The arrest has sparked a major investigation led by India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
The DRI received a tip-off about Rao’s arrival from Dubai and stopped her upon landing on March 3. Officials discovered 14 gold bars strapped to her thighs, concealed using tape and bandages. Initial reports had suggested the gold was hidden in her jacket, but the DRI later confirmed that it was directly attached to her body. During questioning, Rao reportedly admitted to her involvement in the smuggling operation.
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The case took an unexpected twist with the revelation that Rao, 33, is the stepdaughter of a senior police officer who holds the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in Karnataka. This connection has raised concerns about potential involvement of high-level figures in the smuggling network.
Investigators are now working to determine whether Rao was acting alone or as part of a larger smuggling syndicate. Authorities are also investigating the intended recipients of the smuggled gold and the extent of Rao’s connections. It was revealed that she had traveled to Dubai 27 times in the past year, which led the DRI to place her under surveillance before her arrest.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on uncovering the full scale of the operation and its potential links to other criminal networks.
