'DGP's daughter or not…': Congress MLA says no special treatment to Ranya Rao

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is known for her roles in films like Maanikya and Pataki, was arrested by the DRI on Tuesday.

Published on: Mar 5, 2025, 18:51:28 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

On Kannada actress Ranya Rao's arrest in a gold smuggling case, Congress MLA and legal advisor to the Karnataka chief minister, AS Ponnanna said that the law will take its own course irrespective of his connections or relations.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at the Kempagowda International Airport.

Ponnanna's statement came in reference to the fact that Ranya is the stepdaughter of Karnataka's Director General of Police (DGP) Dr K Ramachandra Rao.

"She is accused of indulging in smuggling. The law will take its course, whether she is the DGP's, the CM's or the Prime Minister's daughter. If there is any official nexus involved in this, it will come out in the investigation," Ponnanna said, adding Ranya was being treated as any other accused.

Why was Ranya Rao arrested?

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is known for her roles in films like Maanikya and Pataki, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Tuesday.

She was detained at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAD) after arriving on an Emirates flight from Dubai. Upon landing, the actress was immediately arrested and taken into custody.

Also Read | 'Ranya Rao got married 4 months ago, hasn't visited since': Karnataka DGP distances himself from stepdaughter amid row

DRI officials, who had been tipped off about her suspected involvement in gold smuggling, stationed a team at the airport ahead of her arrival.

The arrest comes after allegations that she was involved in smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai into India.

According to the DRI, the gold in her possession weighed a total of 14.8 kilograms.

Ranya Rao is in DRI custody

On March 4, 2025, Ranya was produced before a special court judge for financial offences, where she was remanded into judicial custody until March 18, 2025.

Before being transferred to custody, Ranya underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru.

Also Read | 14 kg gold haul, 4 Dubai trips: How actor Ranya Rao was caught

The actress, during questioning, claimed her visit to Dubai was for business purposes. However, DRI officials allege that she was carrying a significant amount of gold intended to be smuggled into India.

As of now, Ranya remains in judicial custody while the DRI continues its investigation into the case.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.