TL;DR: Kannada actress Ranya Rao was caught at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport with 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore, allegedly smuggled from Dubai. Utilizing VIP protocols, possibly facilitated by her stepfather, senior IPS officer DGP K Ramachandra Rao, she attempted to bypass security checks but was intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
The Daring Attempt:
On March 3, 2025, Ranya Rao, a popular face in the Kannada film industry, landed at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai. She was intercepted by the DRI while attempting to pass through the Green Channel, designated for passengers with nothing to declare. Despite denying possession of any dutiable goods, a metal detector revealed otherwise.
The Concealment Tactics:
Ranya had ingeniously strapped gold bars around her waist and calves using bandages and tissues. Additional gold pieces were hidden in her shoes and front pockets. The seized gold, confirmed to be 24-karat, weighed 14.2 kg and was valued at over ₹12.56 crore.
The VIP Protocol Controversy:
Investigations revealed that Ranya had availed VIP protocol services at the airport, allegedly facilitated by her stepfather, DGP K Ramachandra Rao. Head constable Basappa Billur, stationed at the airport, admitted to assisting Ranya in bypassing regular security checks, following direct instructions from the DGP. He confessed to providing similar assistance to her on multiple occasions in the past.
Political Ramifications:
The incident has sparked a political storm in Karnataka. The opposition BJP has accused the ruling Congress government of shielding influential individuals involved in the smuggling racket. They have demanded a thorough investigation into the possible involvement of high-ranking officials and their kin in such illicit activities.
MediaFx Opinion:
This incident underscores the deep-rooted nexus between influential individuals and illicit activities, highlighting systemic flaws that allow exploitation of privileges. It's imperative to dismantle such networks to uphold justice and ensure equality, reflecting the principles of an equitable society.
