Actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested at Bengaluru airport on March 3 for smuggling 14 kg of gold from Dubai, meticulously planned the operation and even used YouTube tutorials to learn how to conceal the contraband, a court document has revealed.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detailed how the actor, stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, received the gold at Dubai International Airport and used adhesive tape to hide it on her body before boarding her Emirates flight to India.
Handing Over the Gold at Dubai Airport
According to her statement, Ms Rao was contacted via an internet call and was instructed to collect the gold from Gate A of Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. She met an unidentified man in a white gown at a dining lounge, who handed her two packets wrapped in thick tarpaulin plastic. The man, described as around six feet tall with a wheatish complexion and an American accent, quickly passed on the gold before leaving.
Using YouTube to Plan the Concealment
Anticipating the need for secure concealment, Ms Rao had purchased adhesive tape from a stationary shop near the airport. Since she couldn’t carry scissors through security, she had pre-cut pieces of tape and stored them in her bag.
After collecting the consignment, she proceeded to a nearby washroom, where she opened the packets and found 12 gold bars along with some smaller cut pieces. Using techniques she had learned from YouTube, she wrapped the bars around her calf muscle and waist using the adhesive tape. The smaller gold pieces were hidden in her shoes and pockets.
Suspicion and Arrest in Bengaluru
Ms Rao landed at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, where she was allegedly assisted by protocol officer Basappa Billur, who is now under investigation. The officer, according to the DRI, had received instructions from Ms Rao’s stepfather, senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, to provide protocol assistance for family members.
However, Ms Rao’s frequent trips to Dubai—27 visits in the past six months, including four within just 15 days—had raised suspicion among authorities. She was intercepted just before exiting the airport, and a search revealed the hidden gold.
Court Hearing and Investigation
During her interrogation, the actor claimed this was her first time smuggling gold. Authorities suspect a larger smuggling syndicate is involved, and investigations are ongoing.
The case has sent shockwaves across the film industry and law enforcement circles, with authorities determined to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network behind the operation.
Sources By Agencies
