Who's Indian actress Ranya Rao’s husband and why is Jatin Hukkeri under scanner amid gold smuggling scandal?

As the gold smuggling controversy surrounding Kannada actress Ranya Rao continues to escalate, investigators are now reportedly shifting their focus to her husband, Jatin Hukkeri.

Rao was caught smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, in what is being described as one of Karnataka’s biggest gold seizures.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had Rao under surveillance after she made several overseas trips. The latest developments indicate that her husband Hukkeri’s role in the case is also being examined.

Who is Jatin Hukkeri?

Jatin Hukkeri, a Bengaluru-based architect, is a prominent name in the hospitality and design industry in Karnataka.

According to First Post, he's a graduate of RV College of Engineering with a specialisation in Architecture and Interior Design, he later pursued an Executive Education program in Disruptive Market Innovation at the Royal College of Art in London.

Hukkeri is credited with designing popular pubs and microbreweries, including Bengaluru’s well-known lounge Hangover, as well as other hospitality projects across Delhi and Mumbai.

He co-founded Craft CoDe, WDA, and DECODE LLC, gaining recognition for his innovative approach to architectural design.

Why is he under scrutiny?

Hukkeri married Ranya Rao in a high-profile ceremony at Bengaluru’s Taj West End a few months ago.

The couple resides in a luxury apartment on Lavelle Road, a prime locality in the city. As authorities intensify their investigation, questions have arisen about his potential involvement in the smuggling operation.

Officials allege that Hukkeri traveled with Rao to several foreign destinations on multiple occasions, raising suspicions that he may have played a role in facilitating or coordinating her activities. His financial and business connections are now under review to determine whether he had any direct or indirect links to the smuggling network.

How was the gold smuggled?

Ranya Rao’s arrest at Bengaluru airport unfolded after authorities, already monitoring her movements, conducted a targeted operation. She landed in Bengaluru airport carrying concealed gold bars and jewelry. According to the DRI, she had smuggled gold by wearing excessive amounts and hiding bars within her clothing.

A search of the couple’s Lavelle Road residence led to the discovery of additional gold jewelry worth Rs 20 million and cash amounting to Rs 21 million, further intensifying the case. The total value of the seizure now stands at Rs 1.7 billion, dealing a major blow to organised gold smuggling networks.

What’s next?

While Rao remains in judicial custody under the Customs Act, her claim of being blackmailed into smuggling is now being examined. Meanwhile, Hukkeri’s business dealings and financial records are under review as investigators try to determine whether he was an unwitting accomplice or had a more significant role in the operation.

As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on Hukkeri, whose involvement—or lack thereof—could shape the next chapter of this high-profile investigation.