Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 15: In a major development, a Bengaluru special court has rejected the bail plea of actress Ranya Rao, alias Harshavardhini Ranya, who has been accused in a high-profile gold smuggling case. The court observed that the alleged offense has serious implications on the national economy and pointed to her 27 trips to Dubai since January 2025 as a key factor in denying bail.
The special court for economic offences ruled that the allegations against Ranya Rao were of grave concern, with the estimated smuggled gold valued at Rs 4.83 cr. The court noted that she allegedly concealed gold bars by taping them to her legs, waist, and inside her shoes, attempting to bypass customs checks at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL).
The case, which has drawn widespread attention, is currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Additionally, the Karnataka government has appointed Additional chief secretary Gaurav Gupta to probe the role of her stepfather, senior police official DGP K Ramachandra Rao, amid suspicions of procedural lapses.
Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar, in his order, stated that Ranya Rao’s frequent Dubai visits, possession of a UAE resident identity card, and alleged attempts to evade authorities raised significant concerns. He further noted that she had not cooperated with investigators and that granting her bail could allow her to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
The court also highlighted preliminary findings suggesting an organized smuggling network, including possible hawala transactions and international links. It noted that Rao allegedly used her influence to bypass customs clearance with the help of a State Police Protocol Officer, further strengthening suspicions of a larger conspiracy.
Rejecting her legal counsel’s plea for bail on humanitarian grounds, citing her status as a woman, the court ruled that the seriousness of the offense and its impact on national security and economic stability outweighed such considerations.
With investigations still underway, authorities are expected to expand the probe into potential smuggling syndicates operating through India’s airports. The case has once again brought the issue of gold smuggling into the spotlight, raising concerns over the misuse of official channels for illicit activities.