Karnataka actress arrested for gold smuggling at airport

A high-profile gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao has raised serious concerns in Karnataka. Ranya, who is the step-daughter of a senior police officer, was arrested at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport after customs officials found 14.2 kg of gold hidden on her. Ranya initially denied having any gold but later admitted to concealing the bars after being questioned. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence detained two police officers who assisted her at the airport, leading to an investigation that involves multiple central agencies, including the CBI. The case has sparked political controversy, with accusations of involvement from state officials, although the government denies any politicians are implicated. Meanwhile, a report on the misuse of airport protocol by police has been submitted, revealing that Ranya may have exploited her connections to facilitate her trips. Investigators suspect that Ranya and her associate, Tarun, were operating a smuggling syndicate linked to international gold trafficking. They allegedly used their Dubai-based company to import gold without paying duties, then smuggled it into India. Both Ranya and Tarun are currently in judicial custody as the investigation continues.