Who Is Ranya Rao's Husband, Jatin Hukkeri? Architect Caught In The Bengaluru Gold Smuggling Case

The recent arrest of Kannada actress, Ranya Rao, in an alleged gold smuggling case, has taken the industry by storm. On March 4, 2025, the actress was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). According to reports, Ranya was found in possession of around 15 kilograms of gold, which she was allegedly smuggling. 

While the news came as a shock to the film industry, Ranya’s arrest has cast a glaring spotlight on her husband, Jatin Hukkeri. The probe into the actress’s activities has led investigators to scrutinise Hukkeri, raising questions about his role in the unfolding controversy. Well, these are what we know so far about the Bengaluru-based architect.

Who is Ranya Rao’s Husband, Jatin Hukkeri?

Jatin Hukkeri, a Bengaluru-based architect and entrepreneur, has long been known in elite circles for his innovative contributions to hospitality design. A graduate of RV College of Engineering with a specialization in Architecture & Interior Design, Hukkeri further honed his expertise at the Royal College of Art in London, focusing on Disruptive Market Innovation.

Jatin’s career took off in the restaurant industry, where he gained recognition for creating aesthetically striking and functionally efficient spaces. He is the Founder and Creative Director of WDA & DECODE LLC, as well as the founder of Craft CoDe. Some of Jatin’s most notable works include the Bengaluru-based chic cocktail bar, Hangover, along with establishments like Bangalore XOOX, Brewmill, Olive Beach, Delhi’s Monkey Bar, and Mumbai’s Gateway Taproom. He tied the knot with Ranya four months ago, in a lavish wedding at the Taj West End.

Ranya Rao and Jatin Hukkeri’s Dubai connection

After tracking Ranya Rao’s travels within the past year, investigations have revealed that the actress has taken 27 trips to Dubai. According to DRI sources, she allegedly smuggled gold on each trip. Reports suggest she was paid Rs. 1 lakh per kilogram of gold smuggled, earning approximately Rs. 13 lakh per trip.

Investigators have now turned their attention to Hukkeri, who is believed to have accompanied Rao on multiple trips to Dubai. While no formal charges have been filed against him, police are examining whether he played an active role in facilitating the smuggling operations or had prior knowledge of his wife’s activities.

Ranya and Jatin’s residence raided following smuggling allegations

After Ranya was taken in for 14-day police custody, DIR officials conducted a raid on the couple’s lavish residence. They have reportedly seized gold jewellery worth Rs. 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore. The total assets recovered in the case, including the gold found on Ranya, stand at a staggering Rs. 17.29 crore, making it one of the largest gold smuggling busts in Karnataka.

Did Jatin Hukkeri know about his wife’s gold smuggling?

 As the investigation deepens, questions loom over Jatin Hukkeri’s involvement in the gold smuggling case. Authorities are trying to find out whether Jatin turned a blind eye to his wife’s gold smuggling activities, or he was an unwilling participant evidence trapped in the middle of it. As of now, no concrete evidence has emerged linking Jatin to Ranya’s illicit operations. 

Only time will tell whether Jatin was merely a bystander in this high-profile scandal or an accomplice in the gold smuggling case. But for now, the renowned architect is making headlines not for his celebrated innovations, but for the swirling controversy.

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