New Delhi/IBNS: Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested on Monday night at the Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold, said she had travelled to Europe, America, Middle East.

Ranya, who is the step daughter of a senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, said in a confession that she was caught at the airport with 17 gold bars.

"I have travelled to Europe, America, and (the) 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 as quoted by NDTV. 

Reports claim Ranya travelled to Dubai 27 times in the last year bringing her under the scanner of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Rao was arrested on March 3 at the Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs. 12.86 crore.

The DRI apprehended Ranya Rao after she arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight and was immediately taken into custody.

A court handling economic offenses later remanded her to judicial custody for 14 days.

According to DRI sources, Rao had been under watch due to her frequent overseas trips, the report said.

Investigators found that she had visited Dubai four times in just 15 days, raising suspicions of smuggling activity.

Authorities then carried out a targeted operation upon her return, leading to her arrest.

Ranya Rao's personal equation with IPS officer Ramachandra Rao

Ranya is one of Ramachandra Rao's second wife's two daughters from her previous marriage.

Distancing himself from the entire case, Ramachandra Rao said, "The law will do its job. There is no black mark on my career."

"Like any other father, I was shocked and devastated when it came to my notice through the media. I was not aware of any of these things. I don't want to say anything more," he said.

"She is not living with us... she is living separately with her husband. There must be some problem between them... (maybe) due to some family issues," the IPS officer said.

Ranya Rao's work front

An actress-model, Ranya made her film debut in 2014 with Kannada film Maanikya starring alongside Kichcha Sudeep.

Two other films where she featured were Wagah (Tamil) and Pataki (Kannada).