Kannada film actress Ranaya Rao has been denied bail in a ₹12.56 crore gold smuggling case. On Friday, March 14th, 2025, the Economic Offences Court rejected her bail plea.
Bengaluru: Kannada film actress Ranaya Rao will remain in jail, as the Economic Offences Court dismissed her bail application on Friday, March 14th, 2025. On March 3rd, 2025, the 34-year-old Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, with 14 kilograms of gold bars, estimated to be worth ₹12.56 crore.
Another accused, Tarun Konduru, was also arrested in the case. The hearing on Konduru's bail plea is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 3 pm.
Airport Arrest
Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport upon arrival from Dubai. 14 kilograms of gold bars were recovered from her possession, with an estimated market value of ₹12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) opposed the bail plea in court, arguing that Rao is part of an organized smuggling ring.
They stated that granting bail would allow her to tamper with evidence and obstruct the investigation. The DRI lawyer also informed the court that the actress had traveled to Dubai 30 times in the past year, raising further suspicion.
Allegations of Custodial Misconduct
Through her lawyer, Rao alleged custodial misconduct, claiming that authorities exerted mental pressure during questioning and forced her to sign documents. The DRI denied these allegations, stating that all investigative procedures were conducted within the legal framework.
Given the seriousness of the case, the Karnataka government has assigned Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate. Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramchandra Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. His role is also under scrutiny to determine any potential involvement in the smuggling operation.
Sources suggest Rao received ₹1 lakh per kilogram for smuggling gold, earning up to ₹13 lakh per trip. She allegedly used specially designed jackets and waist belts to conceal the gold from scanners.
