Visually impaired man held at Bengaluru Airport for smuggling ₹3.44 crore gold from Dubai

A visually impaired man was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport on March 4 for allegedly smuggling 3,995.22 grams of gold worth ₹3.44 crore from Dubai, according to customs officials. The passenger was intercepted based on specific intelligence and was found concealing the gold under his shirt. Authorities have registered a smuggling case and taken the individual into custody for further investigation.

The arrest came just a day after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was held at the same airport in connection with a larger gold smuggling case. She was found carrying 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore, allegedly hidden on her body. Officials suspect she had made 27 trips to Dubai within six months and was possibly linked to an organized smuggling network.

Bengaluru Air Customs, acting on heightened surveillance, has intensified screening measures following these incidents. "Upon inspection, 3,995.22 grams of gold worth ₹3,44,38,796, concealed under his shirt, was seized, and a smuggling case was registered," officials stated in a post on X. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is also coordinating with authorities to track potential connections between these smuggling attempts.

Following these cases, the Karnataka government has revised security protocols at the airport. Authorities have decided that VIP protocol privileges will now be granted only to senior bureaucrats, excluding their family members and acquaintances. Officials have indicated that the move aims to close potential loopholes exploited in smuggling operations.

Airport security agencies continue to remain on high alert as gold smuggling attempts through major Indian airports have been increasing. Customs officials have urged passengers to adhere to regulations and warned of strict legal action against those involved in illegal gold imports.