Actor Ranya Rao admits to role in gold smuggling; DRI gets 3-day custody

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, March 8, 2025: Kannada actor Ranya Rao has admitted to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) her involvement in smuggling gold into the country and detailed her frequent visits to Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

Ranya, 33, was arrested by DRI officials at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, on March 3 upon her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight.

Officials recovered 14.2 kg of concealed gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from her possession. The total seizure in the case stands at Rs 17.29 crore.

On March 4, Ranya, the stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K Ramachandra Rao, appeared before the DRI in response to a summons.

In her statement, reviewed by DH, she was identified as Harshavardini Ranya, daughter of realtor KS Hegdesh.

“I reiterate that I was present during the mahazar (inquest) proceedings and accept that 17 gold bars were recovered from my possession,” she stated, requesting the DRI to keep the proceedings private.

“I have travelled to Europe, America and the Middle East, and have visited Dubai and Saudi Arabia," she said, adding “I am tired as I did not get enough rest. I have nothing more to state. I will cooperate in the investigation and appear whenever summoned.”

She affirmed that her statement was made voluntarily, without coercion.

Ranya informed the investigators that she had studied up to Class 12 and, apart from acting, worked as a wildlife photographer and a real estate freelancer in Dubai. She is married to architect Jatin Hukkeri.

Court grants DRI 3-day custody

On Friday, an economic offences court in Bengaluru granted the DRI three-day custody of Ranya for interrogation.

The court had reserved its order on Thursday after the DRI opposed her bail plea, citing "national security".

The agency argued that disclosing certain "sensitive information" publicly could "jeopardise the probe", but assured the court it would submit "key evidence" in a sealed cover.

Ranya has maintained that she was merely a mule. The DRI, after gathering evidence, sought her custody to identify others involved in the smuggling operation.