In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her possession.

According to a report in the Indian Express, officials said she had been under surveillance due to her frequent international travel and was intercepted upon arrival. She allegedly concealed the gold by wearing some of it and hiding gold bars in her clothing.

The actress is the daughter of a DGP-rank IPS officer in Karnataka, raising questions about potential connections to law enforcement. Preliminary investigations suggest that upon arrival at the airport, Ranya would claim her status as the daughter of a senior officer and request police escorts. The DRI is now investigating whether any officials knowingly or unknowingly facilitated her activities.

The agency has yet to issue an official statement on the case. Following her arrest, Ranya was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru for questioning and is expected to be presented in court on Tuesday.

Ranya, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in Maanikya, has also worked in other South Indian films.