Ranya was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport after gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were allegedly seized from her.

Ranya was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport after gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were allegedly seized from her.

Ranya was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport after gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were allegedly seized from her.

A Bengaluru court on Thursday rejected the bail petition of actress Ranya Rao in connection with a gold smuggling case.

The 64th CCH Sessions Court had reserved its order on Tuesday following a detailed hearing of arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.

During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that Ranya had  admitted to using hawala channels to facilitate gold purchases, a claim that strengthens the case against her.

Ranya was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport upon her arrival from Dubai after gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from her.

Searches conducted in her residence, allegedly leading to recovery of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.

Police have also arrested hotelier Tarun Raju in connection with the case. 

Following a complaint by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Central Bueau of Investigation has filed an FIR in the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988, along with several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS). 

Ranya is the step-daughter of DGP-rank officer K Ramachandra Rao. Following the controversy, Rao was sent on compulsory leave by the Karnataka government and was questioned in connection with the case.

DRI makes third arrested

The DRI, meanwhile, has arrested a gold dealer who has been accused of assisting and abetting Tanya in disposing of smuggled gold and sharing the sale proceeds.

Sahil Jain, a native of Ballari, was arrested on Wednesday after he was questioned by the DRI in connection with the case.

TAGS