IT officials to interrogate Ranya Rao in smuggling case
Kannada actor Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3, 2025, for allegedly smuggling 14.8kg of gold (worth over ₹12.56 crore) from Dubai, hiding it around her waist, calves, shoes, and pockets. She faces serious charges under anti-smuggling laws and the strict COFEPOSA Act, which means no bail for a year.
Multiple agencies are digging into possible hawala money trails
From June 11-13, Income Tax officials are interrogating Rao at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara prison, with all sessions recorded for transparency. Even after securing bail in one case, she remains locked up due to COFEPOSA. Two co-accused are also detained. Multiple agencies—including DRI, ED, and CBI—are digging into possible hawala money trails and repeated smuggling attempts. A special team has even looked into whether a senior police official was involved; that report is now with the government.