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.
Ranya Rao gold smuggling case | 64th CCH Sessions Court in Bengaluru rejects the bail application of actor Ranya Rao who is accused of smuggling gold
— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2025
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.
Subsequently, searches were 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.
Meanwhile, 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 on Wednesday 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 after he was questioned by the agency in connection with the case.
The court has sent him to DRI custody till March 29.
