South Indian actress Rania Rao has been arrested on charges of smuggling 14.2 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately $1.47 million, through Bengaluru’s international airport. The arrest has triggered a high-profile investigation into the alleged smuggling operation.
According to Indian media reports, officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) received a tip-off about Rao’s arrival from Dubai. Upon her landing on March 3, she was intercepted at the airport, where officials discovered 14 gold bars concealed on her body. The gold was reportedly strapped to her thighs using tape and bandages.
Initial reports had suggested that the gold was hidden in her jacket, but the DRI later confirmed that it was directly attached to her body. During questioning, Rao allegedly confessed to her involvement in the smuggling operation.
The case took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that the 33-year-old actress is the stepdaughter of a senior police officer holding the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in Karnataka. This revelation has raised concerns about potential high-level connections within smuggling networks.
Authorities are now investigating whether Rao acted alone or was part of a larger smuggling syndicate. They are also working to identify the intended recipients of the smuggled gold.
Reports indicate that Rao had traveled to Dubai 27 times in the past year, prompting the DRI to place her under surveillance prior to her arrest.
The investigation is ongoing, with officials focusing on uncovering the full scope of the smuggling operation and any potential accomplices involved. The case has drawn significant attention due to Rao’s celebrity status and her connection to a high-ranking police official, highlighting the complexities of combating organized smuggling networks.
