Ranya Rao Denied Bail By Court in ₹12 Crore Gold Smuggling Case
A Special Court for Economic Offences rejected Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s bail plea in a ₹12 crore gold smuggling case, citing the seriousness of the charges. Rao, arrested on March 4, will remain in judicial custody as her legal team plans to approach the Sessions Court.
Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar upheld the prosecution’s argument that Rao’s alleged offences warrant continued detention. Her initial bail request was denied by a Magistrate Court before being dismissed again by the Special Court. Rao’s team is now preparing to escalate the plea to the Sessions Court for relief.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Rao at Kempegowda International Airport upon her return from Dubai. She was caught with 14.8 kg of gold, worth ₹12 crore, concealed in a specially designed waist belt. Searches at her Bengaluru home uncovered ₹2.06 crore in gold jewellery and ₹2.67 crore in cash.
Investigations revealed Rao made around 30 trips to Dubai over the past year, allegedly smuggling gold each time. Authorities estimate she earned ₹1 lakh per kilogram, totaling ₹1213 lakh per trip. She claimed during interrogation to have learned smuggling techniques from YouTube videos.
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Rao, stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K Ramachandra Rao, admitted receiving calls from unknown numbers with instructions. The DGP reportedly directed a constable to assist her with protocol at the airport. This connection has intensified the probe into her activities.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched raids in Karnataka, suspecting an international smuggling network. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is examining footage from Rao’s recent wedding for potential links. The total value of seized assets now stands at ₹17.29 crore.
Rao remains in custody as the Sessions Court prepares to hear her next bail plea. The ED and CBI investigations are expected to uncover more details about the smuggling operation and any accomplices. Further updates are anticipated as the case progresses.
