The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested another suspect on Monday in a high-profile gold smuggling case tied to Kannada actress Ranya Rao. The latest detainee, identified as the son of a well-known hotelier, is alleged to have been a key accomplice in the illicit operation. This arrest follows the seizure of gold bars valued at Rs 12.56 crore from Rao at Kempegowda International Airport last week.

The businessman was presented before Bengaluru’s Special Court for Economic Offences, which granted the DRI five days of custody for further interrogation. Authorities suspect he played a significant role in facilitating the smuggling racket alongside the actress, whose real name is Harshavardhini Ranya. The case has drawn attention due to Rao’s family ties—she is the stepdaughter of Ramachandra Rao, a senior IPS officer of DGP rank, currently serving as Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

The DRI’s investigation began after intercepting Rao at the airport, where the substantial haul of gold was uncovered. The agency has since intensified its probe to dismantle the smuggling network, leading to Monday’s arrest. While details about the hotelier’s son remain limited, officials believe the duo exploited their connections to orchestrate the illegal transport of gold into the country.

The case has sparked widespread interest, given the involvement of a celebrity and a prominent business family. The DRI is yet to disclose the full scope of the operation or additional suspects, but the arrests signal a crackdown on gold smuggling in Karnataka. As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to uncover the source of the gold and the intended recipients, with the court set to review progress in the coming days.