Kannada actress arrested for smuggling gold worth Rs 12 crore from Dubai, know India’s gold import rules

New Delhi: Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has been arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) said. The seized gold is valued at around Rs 12 crore.

Ranya Rao, the daughter of a senior IPS officer serving as Director General of Karnataka, had hidden the gold bars in a specially designed belt worn around her body, the DRI stated in its official release on Wednesday. Along with the gold bars, 800 grams of jewelry was also recovered from her possession.

Following her arrest, DRI officials conducted a search at her residence, seizing gold ornaments worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. In total, authorities have confiscated assets worth Rs 17.29 crore in the case.

“The woman passenger has been arrested under the Customs Act, 1963, and sent to judicial custody,” the DRI said, adding that this was one of the biggest gold seizures at Bengaluru International Airport in recent times.

Ranya Rao claimed she had traveled to Dubai for business purposes, officials said.

India’s gold import rules

The case has sparked discussions on gold smuggling and legal limits on bringing gold from abroad. According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Baggage Rules 2016, Indian men can bring up to 20 grams of duty-free gold worth Rs 50,000, while women can bring 40 grams valued up to Rs 1 lakh.

For those staying abroad for at least six months, additional gold imports are allowed but subject to a 6.5% customs duty. However, legal experts argue that the existing rules need to be revised to prevent confusion. The Delhi High Court has previously asked CBIC to reconsider the rules and possibly adjust the limits based on market prices.