Ranya Rao’s Bail Plea Rejected In Gold Smuggling Case News24 –

The Special Court for Economic Offences rejected Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s bail request in the gold smuggling case, saying the charges against her are serious. The court, led by Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar, agreed with the prosecution that Ranya should remain in custody.

Ranya was arrested in a well-known gold smuggling case. She first asked for bail in the Magistrate Court, but her request was denied. She then went to the Special Court for Economic Offences, but her plea was rejected again.

After her bail request was rejected, Ranya’s lawyers are getting ready to ask the Sessions Court for help. Until the court makes a decision about her bail, she will stay in judicial custody.

Ranya Rao Arrested for Gold Smuggling

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, was arrested on March 4, 2025, for allegedly trying to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold worth Rs 12 crore into India. She was caught at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while returning from Dubai.

Gold Hidden In Waist Belt

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) found the gold hidden in a special waist belt. After searching her house in Bengaluru, they also found gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. In total, the authorities seized assets worth Rs 17.29 crore.

Alleged Smuggling Trips To Dubai

Investigations showed that Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, had made about 30 trips to Dubai in the past year. It is believed that she smuggled large amounts of gold on each trip. She reportedly earned Rs 1 lakh for every kilogram of gold she smuggled, making around Rs 12-13 lakh per trip.

Ranya Rao’s Statement During Interrogation

During questioning, Ranya Rao said she received calls from unknown numbers telling her to meet someone at Dubai airport. She claimed that she learned how to hide gold by watching YouTube videos.

Stepfather’s Alleged Involvement

Investigations also found that Ranya’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (DGP), had asked a constable to help her at Bengaluru Airport. This assistance was given as part of her travels.

ED Raids In Karnataka

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started raids in Karnataka in connection with the case. They believe there is an international gold smuggling network involved.

CBI Investigates Wedding Connections

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also looking into footage from Ranya’s recent wedding. They are checking the guest list and expensive gifts she received to find possible links to the smuggling ring.