Bengaluru: Actress Ranya Rao’s ₹34 Crore Assets Seized in Gold Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth ₹34.12 crore linked to Kannada actress Ranya Rao in a high-profile gold smuggling and money laundering case. The properties, located in Bengaluru and Tumakuru, were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation reveals a sophisticated transnational syndicate with Rao at its core.
Seizure of High-Value Assets
On July 4, 2025, the ED attached four immovable properties, including a residence in Victoria Layout, a plot in Arkavathi Layout, industrial land in Tumakuru, and agricultural land in Anekal Taluk. These assets, valued at ₹34.12 crore, are believed to be proceeds of crime laundered through illicit gold smuggling. The action aims to prevent concealment of tainted assets.
Gold Smuggling Bust at Bengaluru Airport
On March 3, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted Rao at Kempegowda International Airport, seizing 14.213 kg of 24-carat gold worth ₹12.56 crore. A subsequent raid on her residence uncovered ₹2.67 crore in unaccounted cash and gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore. This incident triggered a broader investigation into her alleged smuggling network.
Transnational Smuggling Syndicate
The ED’s probe, initiated based on a CBI FIR filed on March 7, 2025, revealed Rao’s collusion with Tarun Konduru Raju and others in smuggling gold from Dubai and Uganda. False customs declarations, listing Switzerland or the USA as destinations, facilitated the illegal import. Dual travel documents were used to evade scrutiny at Indian airports.
Money Laundering Through Hawala
The smuggled gold was sold to Indian jewellers for cash, with proceeds laundered via hawala channels to fund further consignments. Forensic analysis of seized devices uncovered invoices, remittance records, and chats confirming Rao’s active role. The ED quantified the total proceeds of crime at ₹55.62 crore, including ₹38.32 crore from illicit transactions.
Denial Contradicted by Evidence
Despite Rao’s denial of involvement under Section 50 of the PMLA, digital and physical evidence, including customs documents bearing her name, contradicted her claims. The ED is also investigating potential involvement of public servants who allegedly assisted Rao at the airport. The probe continues to trace additional proceeds and accomplices.
Political and Legal Ramifications
The case has sparked political controversy, with the BJP alleging links between Rao and Karnataka government officials, while Congress refutes these claims. Rao, remanded to judicial custody, was denied bail due to economic and national security concerns. The Karnataka government has launched a probe into land allotments linked to Rao during the previous BJP regime.
This high-stakes investigation underscores the the ED’s commitment to dismantling financial crime networks, with ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of the syndicate.