Gold smuggling case: Ranya Rao under ED, DRI radar after 45 single-day trips to Dubai

Kannada actress Ranya Rao is involved in the gold smuggling case which is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

As per a Business Today report, Ranya made 52 trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025, with 45 being single-day round trips. This frequent travel led to suspicions of her involvement in a smuggling syndicate. She also registered Vira Diamonds Trading in Dubai, allegedly as a front for money laundering, with Tarun Raju as her partner. Additionally, she founded Bio Enho India in Bengaluru, later renaming it Xiroda India. These ventures are under scrutiny for potential misuse in legitimizing illicit wealth.

Ranya was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru Airport with 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. Since then, the probe has uncovered a pattern of frequent international travel, suspicious financial transactions, and links to a hawala network.

Ranya's stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, a senior DGP-rank officer, has been questioned by police regarding his possible involvement in facilitating the smuggling network. He is currently on compulsory leave and has distanced himself from Ranya's arrest. However, allegations suggest that he may have used his position to aid her travels.

Tarun Raju, also known as Virat Konduru, is a key figure in the investigation. He is believed to have facilitated gold purchases in Dubai and handled hawala transactions. The DRI has found evidence of illegal money transfers linked to gold purchases, indicating a larger smuggling network. Raju is in judicial custody and recently had his bail hearing, where the DRI mentioned his travel history as a flight risk.