The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday raided the Bengaluru residence of jailed Kannada actress Ranya Rao and seized a huge quantity of cash and gold worth crores of rupees. The raid followed Rao’s arrest at Bengaluru International Airport, where she was caught smuggling 14.8 kg of gold. Authorities recovered Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her upscale Lavelle Road flat, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.

Rao, who arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai, had been under DRI surveillance due to her unusually frequent international trips—four in the past 15 days alone. Officials allege she attempted to smuggle the gold, valued at over ₹12 crore, by wearing much of it discreetly on her body while concealing additional gold bars in her clothing. Following her detention, she was produced before a Special Court for Economic Offences on Tuesday, which remanded her to 14 days of judicial custody.

After her arrest, Rao was interrogated at the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout. Preliminary findings suggest this may not have been her first smuggling attempt, prompting a deeper probe into her travel history and potential ties to a larger network. The incident has cast a spotlight on gold smuggling routes through Bengaluru, with officials yet to release an official statement as the investigation unfolds.

Officials are also investigating whether she had trafficked gold on previous occasions.

Ranya Rao, 32, is the daughter of Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation). However, he has distanced himself from her, stating that they have not been in touch since her marriage four months ago.