The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into an international gold smuggling racket after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport earlier this week.
The CBI is investigating potential collusion between smugglers and public officials, including customs and police personnel, in facilitating the illegal transport of gold into India.
Officials confirmed that the agency has dispatched teams to Bengaluru and Mumbai airports as part of its ongoing investigation.
A senior CBI official noted that the agency's mandate in this case extends beyond the smuggling network to uncover possible involvement of government officials at airports.
“The CBI will examine the role of customs, police, and other officials who may have aided these smugglers. There is a strong possibility of a larger syndicate operating across various Indian airports,” the official stated.
Actor arrested with 14.2 kg gold
Ranya Rao was intercepted by the DRI at Bengaluru airport while returning from Dubai. She was found in possession of 14.2 kg of undeclared gold, valued at ₹12.56 crore.
Further searches at her residence led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore, bringing the total recovery to ₹17.29 crore.
According to DRI sources, Rao admitted to possessing 17 gold bars at the time of her arrest. She has been remanded in DRI custody until 10 March for further questioning.
Also read: Gold smuggling case: Actress remanded to 3 days DRI custody
Rao, 34, is the stepdaughter of Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) K Ramachandra Rao, who currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
Following her arrest, the senior police officer distanced himself from the case, stating that she had not visited his residence in months.
Dubai links and smuggling network under lens
Preliminary investigations suggest that Rao may have made multiple trips to Dubai in recent years, reportedly visiting the UAE at least 30 times. Authorities suspect she was part of an organised smuggling network responsible for trafficking large quantities of gold into India.
The DRI has warned the CBI of similar smuggling networks that may be active across major airports.
Officials believe these operations involve both international smugglers and complicit officials within the Indian system.
Meanwhile, the CBI is expected to widen its probe, with officials hinting at the possibility of taking Rao into custody for interrogation.
“The investigation is in its early stages. More arrests and seizures cannot be ruled out,” an official said.
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