The gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao has led to a deeper investigation into her business dealings. Authorities have identified three companies linked to Ranya that are under the radar of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
As per a Deccan Herald report, the three companies include, Ranya Rao Photography Pvt Ltd, Ayrus Greens Pvt Ltd, and Ksiroda India Pvt Ltd. Ranya Rao Photography Pvt Ltd was incorporated in 2020, with Ranya claiming to be a wildlife photographer. Ayrus Greens Pvt Ltd, established in 2021, is involved in agriculture, focusing on cereal cultivation. Ksiroda India Pvt Ltd, initially known as Bioenzo India Private Limited, was set up in 2022 to manufacture steel products. All three companies are registered at the same address in Bengaluru and have an authorized capital of Rs 10 lakh each.
Investigating agencies suspect that these companies might be shell corporations used for money laundering and covering financial trails. The DRI and ED are examining company reports, balance sheets, and bank statements to identify any links to the gold smuggling network. The probe also aims to uncover if more suspicious firms were registered after 2020.
Ranya’s family members are also under scrutiny. Her mother, Rohini, is a co-director in Ayrus Greens Pvt Ltd and Ranya Rao Photography Pvt Ltd, while her brother, Rushab, is a co-director in Ksiroda India Pvt Ltd.
Ranya was arrested on March 3 with 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs 12.56 crore at Bengaluru Airport. Her frequent trips to Dubai, totaling 52 visits between 2023 and 2025, raised suspicions of her involvement in a smuggling syndicate. The investigation has revealed a pattern of suspicious financial transactions and links to a hawala network.
