- By Abhishek Sheoran
- Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A court in Bengaluru on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was attested at Kempegowda International Airport for smuggling gold. This is the third time Rao’s bail application has been rejected. On March 14, a Special Court for Economic Offences denied her request for bail. According to reports, cited by News 18, her legal team is now preparing to approach the Karnataka High Court.
Rao, who is the daughter of Karnataka DGP (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Rao, was caught at the airport while carrying 14.5 kg of gold from Dubai. Authorities found that she frequently travelled abroad, and utilised VVIP protocols to evade security checks.
Rao’s father, however, clarified he was never aware of her daughter’s deeds. He said the law would do its job and there was ‘no black mark’ on his career.
Suspicion arose when it was revealed that she had made four trips to Dubai in just 15 days. Additionally, she had taken over 10 international trips this year, always returning with gold.
A Karnataka investigation committee, which is examining the violation of protocol and failure of duty, is also expected to submit its findings today regarding the case.
Earlier, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), during the hearing in the court, said the actress had confessed to having received money for the purchase of gold through Hawala transactions. "Money has been sent to Ranya Rao through hawala, she has confessed that," News 18 quoted DRI lawyer Madhu Rao.
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After a thorough hearing of arguments from both the defence and the prosecution, the court reserved its order for March 27. During the bail hearing, the DRI advocate presented evidence indicating Rao’s direct involvement in the illicit transfer of funds.