Indian actress accused of ‘smuggling gold’ arrested

Indian actress Rania Rao has been detained at the Bangalore airport for allegedly trying to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold on her return from Dubai.

She was produced before a local court, which granted a 14-day judicial remand, Indian media reported.

Rania Rao is also under observation for traveling abroad on an unusual basis.

Investigators revealed that she was allegedly involved in gold smuggling and smuggled it by wearing certain quantities and hiding gold bars in clothes.

She first come under the notice after making four trips to Dubai in just 15 days.

According to the initial investigation, it is possible that the actress has been using her contact to avoid searching at the customs.

Reports said that when she landed at the airport, she allegedly posed as the daughter of the Director General of Karnataka Police and approached the police to escort her home.

Authorities are also investigating whether law enforcement officials, including relatives of the actress, were aware of her activities or whether they were making false statements just to deceive them.

The actress was quoted as saying that after her arrest, she was shifted to Dri headquarters in Bengaluru where she will be questioned.

During the investigation, it will also be determined whether she is doing this individually or she is connected to a major smuggling network operating between India and Dubai.

Rania Rao is best known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in the 2014 film Manikya, besides acting in several South Indian films.