Days after her arrest at Bengaluru Airport in a gold smuggling case, Kannada actress Ranya Rao confessed to the crime and informed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) that she had not only travelled to Dubai but Europe, America and the Middle East also.
India Today TV accessed Ranya Rao's first official statement given to the DRI in which she admitted that authorities recovered 17 gold bars from her possession. However, the Kannada actor has not shared further details with authorities and sought time to "take some rest".
Authorities had been closely monitoring Rao, the stepdaughter of Director General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, due to her frequent trips to Dubai. Reports indicate she has travelled to the city 30 times in the past year, four times within just 15 days, allegedly smuggling kilos of gold on each trip.
In the statement recorded during questioning, Ranya Rao said, "I accept that 17 pieces of gold bars were recovered from my possession. I would request you to keep the proceedings as private as possible".
The Kannada actor also revealed that she had travelled to several countries. "I have travelled to Europe, America and Middle East and have visited Dubai, Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest," she said.
Furthermore, Ranya Rao reiterated her commitment to fully cooperate with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in the ongoing investigation. She also clarified that she faced no coercion and that her testimony was given voluntarily.
"I have nothing more to state. I once again reiterate that I will co-operate in the ongoing investigation and I shall appear before you as and when called for. During the recording of this statement no religious sentiments were hurt. I have been offered food and beverages from time to time, but I chose not to eat as I am not hungry and was drinking water. This statement of mine is given voluntarily without any force, threat, coercion or inducement and in my normal state of mind. The contents of this statement are read over and the contents are as deposed by me," the actor told DRI.

According to DRI, gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport, following which searches were conducted at her residence and gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore were also recovered.