Bengaluru, Mar 27 (PTI) A gold dealer was arrested for allegedly assisting Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya alias Ranya Rao in disposing of smuggled gold, sources said on Thursday.

The dealer, a native of Ballari, was questioned in connection with the case following which he was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on Wednesday, they said.

Also Read | Donald Trump Contrasts India's Aadhaar-EPIC Linking With Lax US Voter Identification.

According to sources, Sahil Jain has been accused of assisting and abetting Rao in disposing of smuggled gold and sharing the sale proceeds.

Gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Ranya, the step-daughter of DGP rank officer K Ramachandra Rao, at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3 upon her arrival from Dubai.

Also Read | Nithyananda Land Grab Scam in Bolivia: 'United States of Kailasa', Fictional County Founded by Rape Accused 'Godman', Dupes 3 Indigenous Tribes Into Signing Lease Agreements; 20 'Citizens' Deported After Allegations Surface.

Following this, searches were conducted at her residence, where officials recovered gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.

Ranya Rao and hotelier Tarun Raju have already been arrested in connection with the case.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)