In a major development in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against actress and former model Harshavardini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, in connection with a Rs 102.55 crore gold smuggling and money laundering case. The prosecution complaint was submitted before a Special PMLA Court in Bengaluru under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has named Ranya Rao along with Tarun Konduru and Bellari-based gold dealer Sahil Sakariya Jain in the chargesheet. The agency has filed the case under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA, alleging their involvement in a large-scale smuggling network.
The investigation began after a report from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). On March 3, 2025, Ranya Rao was intercepted at Kempegowda International Airport with 14.213 kg of foreign-origin gold worth around Rs 12.56 crore. Officials grew suspicious after noting that it was her fourth trip to Dubai within 15 days. She was allegedly carrying some of the gold on her person, while the rest was concealed in her clothing. Further searches at her residence led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.
According to the ED, a total of 127.287 kg of gold, valued at over Rs 102.55 crore, was smuggled into India between March 2024 and March 2025. The agency stated, “The contraband was allegedly disposed of in the domestic market through a network of handlers and jewellers. The proceeds were reportedly generated in cash and settled through hawala channels both in India and abroad.” The ED further said, “The agency further alleged that the illicit funds were layered and routed through multiple bank accounts and entities to project them as legitimate business transactions.”
Search operations were conducted at 16 locations across Karnataka in May 2025 under Section 17 of the PMLA. Officials seized digital devices, documents and both Indian and foreign currency. Statements of several individuals were recorded under Section 50 of the Act. “In accordance with Section 5(1) of the PMLA, the ED temporarily attached properties valued at Rs 34.12 crore that were held in Harshavardini Ranya's name throughout the inquiry.” The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has also filed a complaint under Section 135 of the Customs Act and imposed a fine of Rs 102 crore on the actress.
Ranya Rao is currently lodged at Bengaluru Central Prison as the investigation continues.