Third Arrest Made in Gold Smuggling Case Involving Kannada Actress Ranya Rao

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a gold dealer in connection with the ongoing gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao. The dealer, identified as Sahil Jain from Ballari, was apprehended on Wednesday after being questioned about his role in helping Rao dispose of smuggled gold, sources revealed.

Jain is accused of assisting Rao in selling the smuggled gold and sharing the proceeds from the transactions. The investigation began when gold bars valued at Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, upon her return from Dubai. Following this, authorities conducted searches at her residence, uncovering gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore. Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of DGP-rank officer K. Ramachandra Rao, and hotelier Tarun Raju have already been arrested in relation to the case.