Indian enforcement authorities have filed a chargesheet naming Kannada film actress Ranya Rao in a gold smuggling case, alleging her involvement in a cross-border network operating between Dubai and Bengaluru.
According to investigators and media reports, the racket allegedly smuggled more than 127 kilograms of gold into India within a year, distributing the consignments through handlers and jewellers before selling them in the domestic market.
The chargesheet, also naming alleged associates Taran and a gold trader from Ballari identified as Sahil, was submitted to a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Bengaluru.
Ranya Rao, 33, the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, was arrested last year at Bengaluru airport after officials recovered 14.2 kilograms of gold from her possession. Authorities said some of the gold was worn by her, while the remainder was concealed in clothing. Her repeated travel to Dubai four visits within 15 days had raised suspicion among officials, leading to her detention.
Subsequently, investigators conducted a search at her residence and recovered gold jewellery worth approximately ₹2.06 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore.
Officials allege she was part of the smuggling network and received commissions of ₹4–5 lakh per kilogram for transporting gold from Dubai to Bengaluru. She is currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail.