The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are investigating Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested 15 days ago at Bengaluru airport with over 14 kg of gold for gold smuggling.

Authorities found that Ranya made frequent international trips, had suspicious financial activities, and had connections to a hawala network, which has led to a deeper investigation into her smuggling activities. Ranya’s stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, a senior police officer, has also been questioned by the police about his possible role in helping with the smuggling network.

Ranya’s Trip To Dubai:

Authorities have found that Ranya Rao made 52 trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025, with 45 of them being quick one-day round trips. In early 2025, she made 27 visits, mostly through Bengaluru, Goa, and Mumbai, which has raised suspicions about her involvement in a gold smuggling ring.

The DRI showed evidence in court that Ranya Rao and her friend Tarun Raju made 26 trips to Dubai, following a pattern of leaving in the morning and returning by evening, which raised suspicion. In 2023, Rao started a company called Vira Diamonds Trading in Dubai, which is suspected to be a cover for money laundering, with Tarun Raju as her partner. She also started a company called Bio Enho India in Bengaluru in 2022, which she later changed to Xiroda India.

These businesses, along with her financial activities, are being closely investigated because officials think money may have been sent to unknown sources connected to gold smuggling. Investigators believe her businesses might have been used to hide illegal money.

Key Figures in the Investigation: Tarun Raju, Jatin Hukkeri, and Ramachandra Rao

Businessman and actor Tarun Raju, also known as Virat Konduru, is a major focus of the ED’s investigation. He is believed to have helped buy gold in Dubai and manage illegal money transfers through hawala. The DRI has found evidence of illegal money movements connected to these gold purchases, pointing to a larger smuggling network.

Raju, who was arrested and named as the second accused, is currently in judicial custody for 15 days. His bail hearing took place on Tuesday, where his lawyers argued there are no independent charges against him, while the DRI raised concerns about his travel history and possible flight risk.

Ranya Rao’s husband, Jatin Hukkeri, and her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, are also being investigated. Hukkeri, who is seeking protection from arrest, claims that they have been living separately since December 2024. Ramachandra Rao, who has been on compulsory leave since March 15, has denied any involvement in Ranya’s arrest but is under investigation for possibly helping with her travels.

An investigation led by IAS officer Gaurav Gupta is currently taking place, and the report is expected to be given to the government on March 19. Ranya Rao’s request for bail was rejected twice, first by a lower court and then by the Special Court for Economic Offences. She has now appealed to a Sessions court, and her hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19.

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