Bengaluru: The glittering world of gold and glamour took a dark turn as Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya Rao, popularly known as Ranya Rao, found herself at the center of a massive Rs 40 crore gold smuggling operation. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered shocking details about her alleged involvement in an international smuggling and hawala racket, with jeweller Sahil Sakariya Jain playing a pivotal role in facilitating the illicit transactions.
A Trail of Gold and Hawala Money
According to the DRI’s remand note, Ranya, the stepdaughter of a high-ranking Karnataka police officer, was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while returning from Dubai. The officials seized 14.7 kg of gold from her possession, marking the beginning of an intense probe.
The investigation revealed that jeweller Sahil Sakariya Jain not only helped Ranya dispose of a staggering 49.6 kg of smuggled gold—worth approximately Rs 40.14 crore—but also facilitated hawala money transfers linked to the operation. He was arrested on March 26 and has been remanded to judicial custody until April 7.
The DRI’s findings paint a picture of a meticulously orchestrated operation. Jain allegedly assisted Ranya in transferring around Rs 38.39 crore to Dubai via hawala channels and an additional Rs 1.73 crore to her in Bengaluru. He reportedly earned a commission of Rs 55,000 per transaction.
Unraveling the Smuggling Network
The probe into Jain’s digital records, including two mobile phones and a laptop, has unearthed damning evidence of his deep involvement in the illegal trade. The DRI’s investigation uncovered that in January 2025 alone, Jain helped Ranya dispose of 14.568 kg of gold worth Rs 11.56 crore and facilitated Rs 11.01 crore in hawala transactions to Dubai.
In February, the illicit trade continued with Jain allegedly assisting in the disposal of 13.433 kg of gold, valued at Rs 11.81 crore, while also helping to transfer Rs 11.25 crore through hawala channels to Dubai and Rs 55.81 lakh to Ranya in Bengaluru. The authorities believe this was part of a larger smuggling syndicate operating across international borders.
Seized Cash and the Profits from Smuggling
On March 4, DRI officials seized unaccounted cash worth Rs 2.67 crore from Ranya’s residence, which, according to the agency, was likely the profit she earned from purchasing gold in Dubai and selling it in Bengaluru. The luxurious lifestyle that seemed to be funded by her alleged smuggling activities has now come under scrutiny.
A Tarnished Reputation
Ranya Rao, once a rising star in the Kannada film industry, now faces serious legal consequences. Her arrest and the subsequent investigation have sent shockwaves through both the entertainment and business communities. The case raises larger questions about the involvement of high-profile individuals in organized crime and the shadowy world of hawala transactions.
With the investigation still ongoing, the authorities are expected to dig deeper into the network of smuggling and illicit money transfers. For now, the allure of gold has turned into a legal nightmare for Ranya Rao and her alleged accomplices, as they await the next chapter in this high-stakes crime saga.
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