Ranya Rao trapped in gold smuggling case, ED seizes assets worth Rs 34 crore

Updated: 26-02-2026, 04.54 AM

What is the news?

The troubles of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, caught in the gold smuggling scandal, have increased. After the huge fine of Rs 102 crore imposed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), now ED has also taken major action. The immovable properties of the actress worth Rs 34.12 crore have been attached. Ranya was illegally bringing gold worth crores from abroad to India through an organized racket, the earnings of which were laundered through hawala.

Property worth Rs 34 crore seized in Ranya Rao case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges that Ranya was involved in an organized gold smuggling racket. According to the investigation, about 127.287 kg of gold worth Rs 102.55 crore was brought into India illegally between March 2024 and March 2025. the officials Times Now Told that the proceeds of smuggling were diverted through Hawala channels. Taking strict action in this case, properties worth Rs 34.12 crore have been attached so far.

The racket continued for 1 year

According to sources, Ranya was allegedly involved in running an organized gold smuggling racket, which remained active for an entire year. The investigation conducted by ED under the Money Laundering Prevention Act (PMLA) has revealed that a total of 127.287 kg of gold was brought into India illegally between March 2024 and March 2025. The estimated value of this smuggled gold is said to be around Rs 102.55 crore.

Big evidence against Ranya Rao surfaced

During the investigation, immovable properties worth Rs 34.12 crore registered in the name of Harshvardhini Ranya have been temporarily attached. ED’s investigation has revealed a very systematic and organized system. According to officials, this racket involved buying gold from abroad, bringing it to India illegally and then disposing of the proceeds through formal and informal (hawala) financial channels (money laundering).

Ranya Rao’s journey from Chikmagalur to Mumbai

Ranya was born in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. She completed her schooling from Kodagu and later moved to Bengaluru. Ranya attended Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, but left her studies to pursue acting. After this he took training from Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting School, Mumbai. Ranya is the step-daughter of IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, who serves as DGP in the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.