Ranya Rao: The Sandalwood Star Accused of Gold Smuggling
BENGALURU: In a shocking turn of events, Ranya Rao, a prominent actress in the Sandalwood film industry, has found herself embroiled in a gold smuggling scandal that has captured the attention of both the media and the public. Known for her roles in various Kannada films, Ranya’s recent travel patterns have raised eyebrows, leading to an investigation by customs officials.
A Distinct Dress Code
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ranya’s alleged smuggling activities is her specific dress code while traveling. Reports indicate that she adopted a consistent pattern: while departing from India, she would don casual attire, but upon her return from Dubai, she would switch to jackets and goggles. This choice of clothing appears to have been a calculated move to conceal her activities and project an air of confidence, despite the underlying tension of her situation.
Customs officials noted that the use of goggles served a dual purpose. Not only did they shield her eyes from scrutiny, but they also helped mask any signs of fear or nervousness that might have been evident during security checks. This strategic approach seemed to work in her favor, as she reportedly maintained a composed demeanor during inspections, further raising suspicions about her intentions.
Frequent Flyer: A Suspicious Travel History
Ranya’s travel history paints a picture of a woman who was not just a frequent flyer but one with a specific agenda. Since 2020, she has made an astonishing 90 trips abroad, with a significant number of these journeys originating from Bengaluru International Airport. The breakdown of her travels reveals that she made 60 trips from Bengaluru, 25 from Mumbai, and a handful from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
What stands out is the sheer frequency of her trips, particularly in 2024, which has been dubbed her "golden era." Between January and March 2025 alone, Ranya reportedly made 46 trips to Dubai, often returning within 24 hours. Such rapid turnarounds have raised red flags among authorities, prompting further investigation into her activities.
The Grand Ambition: A Jewelry Store
Adding another layer to this unfolding drama is Ranya’s ambition to open a grand jewelry store in Bengaluru. High-ranking sources suggest that her trips to Dubai were not merely for leisure or business but were intricately linked to her plans in the jewelry sector. This connection has led investigators to delve deeper into her travel patterns, seeking to understand the extent of her involvement in gold smuggling.
The Investigation Unfolds
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has taken a keen interest in Ranya’s case, particularly focusing on her travel history since July 28, 2023. With 51 trips to Dubai and back within a short span, the authorities are scrutinizing her activities more closely. The investigation aims to uncover whether Ranya’s travels were indeed a cover for smuggling operations or if there is a more benign explanation for her frequent trips.
As the investigation continues, the public remains captivated by the story of Ranya Rao—a talented actress whose career now hangs in the balance amid serious allegations. The unfolding drama serves as a reminder of the complexities that can lie beneath the surface of fame and success, leaving many to wonder what the next chapter in Ranya’s story will reveal.
