Bengaluru Customs officials have uncovered another gold smuggling attempt at Kempegowda International Airport, seizing nearly 4 kg of gold valued at over Rs 3.44 crore. The arrest of a visually impaired man on March 4 followed just one day after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was detained for smuggling 17 gold bars worth an estimated Rs 12.56 crore, raising concerns over a potential gold smuggling ring operating through the airport.
Details of the Latest Seizure
The arrest came after a tip-off led Customs officers to stop a passenger arriving from Dubai. Upon investigation, officials discovered 3,995.22 grams of gold concealed under his clothing. The seizure is the latest in a series of gold smuggling cases this month, prompting authorities to ramp up efforts to target smuggling routes between Dubai and India.
Ranya Rao’s Arrest and Its Implications
Ranya Rao’s arrest on March 3, 2025, has intensified scrutiny around the use of influential figures in smuggling activities. The actress, who had reportedly traveled to Dubai 27 times in the past six months, was allegedly compensated Rs 4-5 lakh per kilogram of smuggled gold. This case has raised concerns about the potential involvement of celebrities in illicit gold trafficking.
In the wake of these high-profile incidents, authorities at Kempegowda International Airport have bolstered security, especially for VIP passengers and individuals with high-profile connections.
Karnataka Government Response
In response to the smuggling cases, the Karnataka government has revised its VIP protocol policies. Senior bureaucrats will be the only individuals maintaining VIP privileges at airports, while family members and associates will no longer receive preferential treatment. This policy shift aims to prevent the misuse of VIP access for illegal activities, a measure that gained urgency following the Ranya Rao case.
Wider Context of Gold Smuggling in India
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Bengaluru Customs are now focusing on dismantling gold smuggling syndicates operating from Dubai to India. Smuggling incidents at other major airports in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai further highlight the evolving methods used by smugglers to evade detection.
With India being one of the world’s largest consumers of gold, authorities are facing increasing challenges in curbing illegal imports. The recent seizures at Bengaluru Airport serve as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced security measures to combat gold smuggling and safeguard national borders.
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