No bail to Ranya Rao in gold smuggling case, court cites 'seriousness of charges'

The Special Court for Economic Offences denied bail to Kannada actor Ranya Rao in the gold smuggling case, citing the seriousness of charges. Her lawyers now plan to move the Sessions Court.

In Short

• Kannada actor Ranya Rao's bail plea rejected again in gold smuggling case
• Court says charges are serious, orders continued judicial custody
• Ranya's legal team to challenge bail rejection in Sessions Court

The Special Court for Economic Offences denied bail to Kannada actor Ranya Rao in the gold smuggling case, saying the charges against her are serious. The court, presided over by Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar, agreed with the prosecution that Ranya should stay in judicial custody.

Ranya was arrested in a high-profile gold smuggling case and first applied for bail in the Magistrate Court, but her request was rejected. She then approached the Special Court for Economic Offences, where her plea was dismissed again.

Following the rejection of her bail plea, Ranya's legal team is preparing to approach the Sessions Court for relief. Until a verdict is delivered on her bail application, she will remain in judicial custody.

Ranya Rao was arrested on March 4, 2025. for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold valued at Rs 12 crore into India. The Kannada actor was apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while returning from Dubai.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) discovered the gold concealed in a specially designed waist belt. Subsequent searches of her Bengaluru residence led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total confiscated assets to Rs 17.29 crore.

Investigations have revealed that Rao, who is the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, had made approximately 30 trips to Dubai over the past year, allegedly smuggling significant quantities of gold on each occasion. She reportedly earned Rs 1 lakh per kilogram of gold smuggled, amounting to Rs 1213 lakh per trip.

During interrogation, Ranya claimed she received calls from unknown numbers instructing her to meet someone at Dubai airport, where she allegedly learned to hide gold by watching YouTube videos.

Investigations also revealed that her stepfather, Director General of Police (DGP) K Ramachandra Rao, had instructed a constable to provide her with protocol assistance at Bengaluru Airport.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated raids in Karnataka in connection with this case, suspecting an international gold smuggling network.

Additionally, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is scrutinising footage from Ranya's recent wedding, guest lists, and expensive gifts to uncover potential connections to the smuggling operation.