Bengaluru: Central agencies are gearing up to investigate actress Ranya Rao, an accused in a gold smuggling case. Initially, the case was handled by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), but fresh reports indicate that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have also joined the probe.

On Thursday, the ED registered a money laundering case against Ranya in connection with the smuggling operation. As part of the investigation, the agency conducted searches across eight locations in Karnataka. In addition, the DRI carried out inspections at nine flats and buildings in Bengaluru owned by Ranya’s husband Jithin Vijayakumar.

The ED's involvement was prompted by the need for a thorough probe into potential hawala transactions linked to gold smuggling, while the CBI is focusing on the broader smuggling network and related dealings. Investigations and raids by the DRI and ED are currently underway.

Last week, the DRI arrested Ranya Rao at Bengaluru airport with 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore, concealed in her clothing and other belongings. A subsequent search of her residence led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.

Investigators believe Ranya plays a key role in a gold smuggling syndicate, allegedly earning commissions of Rs 4–5 lakh per kilogram of gold transported from Dubai to Bengaluru. According to her statement, she received instructions via an internet call to collect the smuggled gold from Gate A at Terminal 3 of Dubai airport. She claimed that a man dressed in a white gown handed her the consignment.