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Karnataka High Court Denies Bail to Ranya Rao in Gold Smuggling Case

The actress remains in custody under the COFEPOSA Act, facing allegations of smuggling nearly 50 kg of gold and routing funds through hawala channels.

Overview

  • Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold valued at over ₹12.5 crore.
  • The COFEPOSA Act was invoked on April 22, making her ineligible for bail for up to one year to prevent further smuggling activities.
  • Investigations allege Rao smuggled 49.6 kg of gold worth ₹40 crore and transferred ₹38.4 crore to Dubai via hawala channels with assistance from gold trader Sahil Sakariya Jain.
  • The Karnataka High Court dismissed her bail plea on April 26, along with that of co-accused Tarun Raju, citing the severity of the allegations.
  • Authorities are probing potential complicity by Rao’s stepfather, senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao, who has been placed on compulsory leave.