In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that Kannada actress Ranya Rao earned nearly Rs 12 to13 lakh per trip to Dubai for smuggling gold. The actress, who was arrested on March 3 from Bengaluru airport after being found with 14.8 kg gold, was later sent to 14-day judicial custody. Ranya is the daughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao.

In the new details that have emerged amid the investigation, it has been revealed that Ranya reportedly travelled to Dubai 30 times over the past year.

On each trip, she allegedly brought back several kilos of gold. According to sources quoted in an India Today report, Rao was paid Rs 1 lakh per kg of smuggled gold. That's how she earned around Rs 12-13 lakh per trip to Dubai.

Ranya had reportedly been on the authorities' radar for some time due to her frequent trips to Dubai. Recently, as she was about to clear airport security on her return, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials intercepted her based on prior intelligence.

During questioning, the actress claimed to be the daughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, currently serving as DGP (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation). Despite her statement, officials proceeded with a thorough search, leading to the recovery of smuggled gold.

The total seizure in the case amounted to Rs 17.29 crore, including assets worth Rs 4.73 crore.

Police investigations also revealed that Ranya repeatedly used modified jackets and waist belts for her smuggling operations. She wore the same specially designed garments during her travels. When DRI held her, she had concealed gold bars inside her jacket.

Ranya's journey in film industry

Ranya is known for her roles in films such as Manikya and Pataki.

A native of Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Ranya studied engineering at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru before entering the film industry. She made her acting debut in 2014 with the Kannada film Maanikya, directed by and starring Sudeep, where she portrayed a wealthy young woman and the love interest of the protagonist.

She expanded her career into Tamil cinema with the 2016 film Wagah opposite Vikram Prabhu. In 2017, she returned to Kannada cinema with Pataki, playing a journalist alongside actor Ganesh.