Key Points:
- Ranya Rao’s bail plea rejected for the third time by Bengaluru’s 64th City Civil and Sessions Court in connection with a gold smuggling case.
- The actress was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai.
- Investigations reveal her involvement in hawala transactions and links to a larger smuggling network, with two associates already arrested.
- Karnataka authorities are set to submit a detailed report on the case, while Ranya’s legal team plans to approach the High Court for bail.
Bengaluru: In a significant development, the Bengaluru Sessions Court on Thursday rejected Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s bail application for the third time in the high-profile ₹12.56 crore gold smuggling case. The 33-year-old actress was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport after being caught with 14.2 kg of gold strapped to her body, smuggled from Dubai.
The Case So Far
Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, has been under investigation for her alleged role in a sophisticated smuggling syndicate. Authorities claim she made 27 trips to Dubai in 2025 alone, often returning with gold concealed on her person. The DRI alleges that Ranya financed these purchases through hawala channels, bypassing customs duties worth ₹4.83 crore.
During searches at her residence, officials recovered gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, further implicating her in illegal activities.
Key Arrests and Network Links
The investigation has uncovered a broader smuggling network involving multiple accomplices:
- Tarun Konduru Raju (alias Virat Konduru): A Telugu actor and close associate of Ranya, who allegedly facilitated gold purchases using his U.S. passport. He was arrested on March 9 after forensic analysis linked him to the operations.
- Sahil Sakariya Jain: A Ballari-based gold dealer arrested on March 26 for helping dispose of smuggled gold and sharing proceeds with Ranya.
Authorities believe the syndicate used airport protocol services to evade checks, raising suspicions about potential involvement of public servants.
Court Proceedings
The DRI opposed Ranya’s bail plea, arguing that granting bail could hinder the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities and international links. Prosecutor Madhu Rao presented evidence of hawala transactions and claimed that Ranya had confessed to using illegal channels to fund her operations.
Her legal counsel, however, contested the arrest procedure, alleging procedural lapses by the DRI under Section 102 of the Customs Act. Despite these arguments, the court ruled against granting bail.
Impact on Investigations
Authorities have invoked Section 108 of the Customs Act to initiate a judicial inquiry into the case, which now includes suspected links to an international smuggling syndicate operating out of Dubai. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are also probing potential money laundering and corruption angles.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta is expected to submit a detailed report on the case today, following an extensive investigation involving over 15 individuals linked to the network.
Ranya’s Next Steps
With three failed bail attempts first by a lower court, then by a special court for economic offenses, and now by the sessions court Ranya’s legal team plans to move the Karnataka High Court next week. “We are confident that justice will prevail,” said her lawyer Kiran Jawali.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
The case has sparked widespread outrage due to Ranya’s connections to high-ranking officials. Her stepfather, DGP K Ramachandra Rao, has denied any involvement but has been placed on compulsory leave pending further investigation.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara assured reporters that no one would be spared if found guilty: “This is a matter of public trust, and we will ensure transparency.”
As investigations deepen into what appears to be a well-coordinated smuggling syndicate, Ranya Rao’s arrest marks just one piece of a larger puzzle involving hawala networks and systemic corruption. With mounting evidence against her and her associates, all eyes are now on the Karnataka High Court as she seeks another chance at bail amidst growing legal challenges.
