Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who has appeared in movies such as Maanikya and Pataki, has admitted to using illegal ‘hawala’ channels to finance her gold purchases, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) said. This was revealed during a court hearing on March 25, 2025, in relation to her alleged involvement in a gold smuggling case.
Arrest and Seizure at Bengaluru Airport
Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport when she arrived from Dubai earlier this month. Officials found 14.8 kilograms of gold hidden on her body, which resulted in her immediate arrest. The gold seized is worth about ₹12.56 crore.
Confession of ‘Hawala’ Transactions
In court hearings, DRI advocate Madhu Rao said Ranya Rao confessed to remitting money through ‘hawala’ channels to fund her gold purchases. Hawala is an illicit, informal system of money transfer without physical movement, the objective being to escape the watchful eye of regulators.
Judicial Proceedings and Bail Plea
A special court has reserved its decision on Ranya Rao’s plea for bail until March 27, 2025. The court will consider the gravity of the charges and the evidence produced before deciding her bail plea.  
Investigations against Broader Network
The DRI inquiry has widened to probe possible links of Ranya Rao with a larger smuggling racket. Officials are probing her repeated visits to Dubai and investigating if she had help from accomplices at the airport or other outfits to carry out these illegal operations. Her stepfather, Karnataka Director General of Police Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao is also being interrogated to find out if he was involved or knew about her activities.
Implications for the Film Industry
The incident shocked the Kannada film industry, discrediting an actress who had been rising to prominence. It highlights the vulnerabilities and pressures under which people working in the entertainment industry may find themselves, necessitating vigilance and ethical behavior.
As the legal proceedings go on, the case remains in the limelight of public and media scrutiny, generating concerns regarding the size of illegal financial networks and what is required to fight such activities effectively.
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