How Ranya Rao smuggled 14.8 kg of gold: Strapped to thighs, hidden under clothes

Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s arrest at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has unraveled a shocking gold smuggling operation. The 33-year-old actress, intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3, allegedly smuggled 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai—strapped to her body in a meticulously planned operation.


According to Hindustan Times, the authorities initially suspected that Ranya had hidden the gold in her jacket, but a physical search revealed the real method. She had tightly fastened 14 gold bars, each weighing around 1 kg, to her thighs using tape and crepe bandages. To further conceal the contraband, she wore tight-fitting pants over the bars, ensuring no unusual bulges were visible. This method allowed her to walk naturally, avoiding immediate suspicion.

Read more: Ranya Rao gold smuggling case live updates

Adding to the intrigue, Ranya reportedly used VIP airport channels, bypassing standard security checks faced by regular passengers. This raised questions about whether she had inside help to facilitate smooth passage through customs. Officials are also probing her frequent travel history—27 trips to Dubai in six months, each lasting only a few days—suggesting a larger smuggling syndicate at play.

Currently in judicial custody until March 18, Ranya claims she was forced into the operation. However, investigators are digging deeper into potential links with international gold smuggling networks.

Meanwhile, in a latest update, the special court of economic offenses has reserved its decision on the DRI’s request for the three-day custody of Ranya. According to The Indian Express, officials highlighted protocol violations in the case, stating that sensitive details would be presented in a sealed cover. However, Ranya’s defense team objected, arguing that further custody was unnecessary. The court has deferred its decision until Friday, postponing any ruling on her bail.
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