Dubai and gold are once again in the spotlight after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold.
She arrived at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai on an Emirates flight.
Officials stated that she had allegedly hidden the gold in her clothes. Due to her frequent international trips, she was already under the watch of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
This time, DRI officials seized gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore and arrested her.
Why Do People Bring Gold from Dubai?
Many people bring gold from Dubai because it is cheaper than in India. Dubai’s gold market is a major attraction for gold buyers due to its lower prices.
Why is Gold Cheaper in Dubai?
Gold prices in Dubai are lower than in India due to differences in import duties and tax policies.
Dubai has zero GST on bullion and gold jewelry, whereas India imposes a 3% GST on gold.
Additionally, jewelry manufacturing costs in Dubai are lower, making 24-carat gold around 5% to 7% cheaper than in India.
Buying gold in bulk from Dubai leads to significant savings. However, travelers must follow India’s customs duty rules when bringing gold from Dubai.
How Much Gold Can You Bring from Dubai to India?
According to Indian customs rules:
After a Stay of 6+ Months in Dubai: Indian travelers can bring up to 1 kg of gold in their baggage after paying customs duty.
Duty-Free Allowance:
Male Travelers: Can bring up to 20 grams of gold (worth Rs 50,000) duty-free. Gold can be in the form of coins or bars.
Female Travelers: Can bring up to 40 grams of gold (worth Rs 1,00,000) duty-free in the form of jewelry, bars, or coins.
If travelers bring more than the allowed limit, they must pay a customs duty of 3% to 10% on the extra gold. To verify the purchase, they must present a bill to customs officials.
Duty-Free Gold Allowance for Children
Children below 15 years of age can bring up to 40 grams of gold jewelry duty-free, including gold gifts received.
However, they must have ID proof showing their relationship with the accompanying adults to complete the required paperwork.
Ranya Rao Sent to 14 Days Judicial Custody
Following the gold seizure at the airport, DRI officials searched Ranya Rao’s house, where they found additional gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency worth Rs 2.67 crore.
She is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who is currently the Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
The total seized assets in this case amount to Rs 17.29 crore. After her arrest on Monday night, she was presented before the Economic Offences Court, which sent her to 14-day judicial custody.
