Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 19: The Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru has rejected the bail plea of Tarun Raju, a close associate of jailed actress Ranya Rao and the second accused in the high-profile gold smuggling case.
Justice Vishwanath C Goudar issued the order after hearing arguments from both sides. Tarun Raju, currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison, is the grandson of a well-known star hotel owner on Kumara Park East Road in the city.
Meanwhile, the bail petition of Ranya Rao was heard at the 64th City Civil and Sessions Court, where the prosecution has been directed to file its objections by March 21.
Prosecution’s arguments
During the bail hearing, Madhu Rao, counsel for the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), argued that Tarun and Ranya had traveled together to Dubai approximately 26 times, often leaving in the morning and returning by evening. This pattern, he stated, raises concerns that Tarun might attempt to flee the country.
The DRI submitted that Tarun had booked a flight ticket from Dubai to Hyderabad through Ranya Rao and had also handed over smuggled gold to her in Dubai. Authorities had issued a Lookout Circular against him, yet he attempted to escape on March 8. Instead of proceeding to Geneva as claimed, he traveled to Hyderabad and then to Bengaluru, which the DRI contends was an attempt to evade investigation.
The prosecution emphasized that forensic analysis of evidence seized from Ranya Rao had revealed Tarun’s involvement. They also pointed out that payments for gold purchases in Dubai had been made, necessitating a deeper investigation into the smuggling network’s international links.
Defense’s stand
Senior counsel Devaraju, representing Tarun Raju, countered that the DRI had failed to establish that Tarun was in possession of the smuggled gold. Citing Section 137(3) of the Customs Act, he argued that his client was neither the owner nor the transporter of the gold and that his arrest was driven by media sensationalism rather than concrete evidence.
He further pointed out that apart from Ranya Rao’s statements, there was no direct evidence against Tarun. He also highlighted that although the two had co-founded Vira Diamonds Company, Tarun had been removed from the company in December 2024.
Background
Actress Ranya Rao was arrested for smuggling gold and allegedly misusing the name of her father, DGP K Ramachandra Rao, to bypass airport security checks using a protocol reserved for top-ranking officials.
The DRI had seized 14.8 kg of gold from her at Bengaluru International Airport, along with Rs 2.06 crore worth of additional gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her luxury apartment on Lavelle Road, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.
On March 15, the Karnataka government placed Ranya Rao’s father, DGP K Ramachandra Rao, on compulsory leave until further notice in connection with the case.