The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has levied a penalty of ₹102.55 crore on Kannada actress Ranya Rao in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case. Rao, along with three other individuals implicated in the case, have been issued show-cause notices with penalties totaling over ₹270 crore.

Ranya Rao was apprehended on March 3rd after authorities discovered 127.3 kg of smuggled gold. DRI investigations revealed that Rao had been involved in trading gold from Dubai, smuggling the large quantity of gold into Bengaluru over a year. It was also revealed that she had been misusing police escorts to evade customs checks.

In addition to the penalty, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already seized assets worth ₹37 crore belonging to Ranya Rao. The DRI has indicated that investigations are being expedited to ensure recovery of the dues, and officials have warned that properties of the accused could be attached if the penalties are not cleared.

The case has uncovered extensive hawala transactions, implicating multiple accomplices, and the disposal of approximately 50 kg of gold through various networks. Sources within the DRI reported that Rao was initially caught at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on March 3rd upon her arrival from Dubai, with 14.8 kg of gold on her person.