The arrest of actor Ranya Rao has sent shockwaves across Karnataka after she was caught smuggling gold from Dubai. As the investigation unfolds, explosive details about her involvement in the smuggling operation continue to emerge. The latest details emerging from the investigation, point to her husband Jatin Hukkeri who is an architect in Bengaluru. It’s been alleged that the actor started gold smuggling after her marriage to Jatin Hukkeri, which reportedly happened four months ago.
Ranya was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday for allegedly smuggling 14.2-kilogram gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore.
Who Is Jatin Hukkeri?
Ranya is reportedly married to an architect from an influential political family in North Karnataka. He is an architect. Police allege that he frequently travelled with Rao to Dubai multiple times. Hukkeri who married Ranya in a high-profile ceremony at Taj West End a few months ago, caught investigators’ attention after taking four trips to Dubai within 15 days. The couple’s wedding was a grand affair, hosted at the luxurious Taj West End. Following their marriage, they settled into a high-end apartment on Bengaluru’s upscale Lavelle Road, reportedly paying a hefty rent each month. However, their lavish lifestyle came under scrutiny when DRI officials raided their residence on Wednesday. During the search, authorities seized gold worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore, further intensifying the ongoing investigation.
Jatin Hukkeri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture & Interior Design from RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru. He pursued executive education at the Royal College of Art in London, specializing in Disruptive Market Innovation. His LinkedIn profile highlights his expertise in Hospitality Architecture and planning.
According to the Della Leaders Club (DLC), Jatin first gained recognition in Bengaluru’s restaurant industry with his creative and innovative designs. Over time, he expanded his influence across India and London. Today, he is the Founder & Creative Director of WDA & DECODE LLC, as well as the founder of Craft CoDe, where he continues to shape the design and architecture landscape. According to a Hindustan Times report, One of Hukkeri’s most notable projects is Hangover, a cocktail bar and diner in Bengaluru. Describing its unique concept, he said, “It is path-breaking in terms of its spatial qualities, which are extremely simple for a bar.” The establishment is open on all sides across both floors, enhancing the user experience significantly.
Ranya’s Modus Operandi
According to a local media, Prajavania- Ranya had been using her father’s name to evade check on arrival at Kempegowda airport every time she was smuggling gold. The Week reports that on arrival at the Dubai airport, the gold was handed over to Ranya in the toilet. She would then attach the gold bars around her body like a belt, the report added. In Bengaluru, she would use her stepfather’s name to evade detail checks. She is also said to have worn the same dress with belt for the last four trips. Unconfirmed reports hint that she would also go home with a police escort.
An initial probe revealed Ranya had visited Dubai over 10 times in the last year. According to DRI sources, she smuggled gold every time. She was reportedly paid ₹1 lakh per kg of gold she allegedly smuggled and has managed to earn ₹13 lakh per trip.
Ranya Rao made her debut in the film industry with the film ‘Manikya’ starring Sudeep. She has since acted in over four movies.
