The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into gold smuggling involving government officials, following accusations from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The investigation was triggered after DRI’s recent arrest of actress Ranya Rao and another individual at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Rao was attempting to smuggle 14 kilograms of gold from Dubai. On March 6, two foreign nationals were arrested at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for trying to smuggle 21.28 kilograms of gold into India. The value of the seized gold is estimated to be around ₹18.92 crore.

The DRI investigation revealed that the two foreign nationals had traveled to India several times through Mumbai airport. Additionally, authorities recovered gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash from Ranya Rao’s residence. It was also discovered that she had frequently traveled to Dubai, leading investigators to suspect a widespread gold smuggling network involving both Indian and foreign nationals. As a result, the CBI has been brought into the case to investigate the possible involvement of high-level government officials. An FIR has been filed against unidentified government officials and private individuals. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also initiated a money laundering investigation and conducted raids at Rao’s premises.