BENGALURU: India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has arrested actress Rania Rao at Bangalore airport on the charge of possessing 14.8 kg of gold on her return from Dubai.
According to an NDTV report, actress Rania Rao was produced in a local court after her arrest on Monday, from where a 14-day judicial remand has been obtained.
According to authorities, Rania Rao had arrived in Bangalore from Dubai on a flight from the United Arab Emirates while she was under surveillance for traveling abroad on an unusual basis.
Investigators revealed that she was allegedly involved in gold smuggling and used to smuggle gold bars by wearing a certain quantity and hiding them in her clothes.
The report said that the authorities became suspicious when she visited Dubai four times in 15 days, then targeted her on her return home.
Initial investigations suggest that the actress may have been using her connections to evade customs checks.
Reports said that when she landed at the airport, she allegedly posed as the daughter of the Karnataka Police Director General and contacted the police to take her home.
Authorities are also investigating whether law enforcement officials, including the actress’ relatives and government officials, were aware of her activities or whether she was simply making false statements to deceive them.
The actress was reportedly taken to the DRI headquarters in Bangalore after her arrest, where she will be questioned.
The investigation will also determine whether she is acting alone or is part of a larger smuggling network operating between India and Dubai.
Rania Rao is known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in the 2014 film Manikya, and has also worked in several South Indian films.
