- By Talibuddin Khan
- Tue, 25 Mar 2025 06:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor arrested in a gold smuggling case, used to receive money for the purchase of gold through Hawala transactions, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) told the Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru during Rao's bail hearing.
Advocate Madhu Rao, appearing for the DRI, apprised the court that Ranya Rao has confessed to getting money through hawala. "Money has been sent to Ranya Rao through hawala, she has confessed that," Madhu Rao said, as quoted by News18.
The court, after a detailed hearing of arguments from both the defence and the prosecution, reserved its order for March 27. During the bail hearing, the DRI advocate presented evidence suggesting her direct role in the illicit transfer of funds.
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As part of the legal process, officials have invoked Section 108 of the Customs Act, which mandates a judicial inquiry. Authorities clarified that this is not a police interrogation but a judicial investigation to scrutinise financial irregularities and potential violations of law.
Earlier this month, a lower court in Bengaluru rejected Ranya Rao's bail plea. The Kannada actor, who is also the daughter of a senior IPS officer, filed a bail plea in the Special Court for Economic Offences. However, the Special court also rejected her bail plea.
During the bail hearing at the Special Court, DRI advocate Madhu Rao said that Tarun Raju (the second accused in the case) and Ranya Rao travelled together to Dubai about 26 times. They would leave in the morning and return by evening. Looking at this pattern, there is a high chance the accused could flee the country anytime.
After Ranya Rao's arrest, forensic analysis was conducted on the evidence seized from her. During this investigation, her connection with the Tarun Raj was revealed, counsel Madhu Rao stated. "There are strong reasons justifying the accused's arrest," Rao had stated.
The DRI on March 3 arrested Ranya Rao from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru with nearly 15 kg of gold, worth Rs 12.56 crore. After her arrest, a search at her residence reportedly resulted in the discovery of gold jewellery valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.
It was alleged that Ranya Rao misused her father (DGP) Ramachandra Rao's name to escape security checks by availing the protocol reserved for officials of the highest rank.
On March 15, the Karnataka government placed jailed actress Ranya Rao's father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, on compulsory leave with immediate effect and until further notice in connection with the gold smuggling case.