The DRI exposed actress Ranya Rao’s alleged gold smuggling racket using a Karnataka Police officer. The court denied her bail after seizing Rs 12.56 crore in gold bars at Bengaluru airport.
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BENGALURU: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) informed the court that a Karnataka Police Protocol Officer was used in a gold smuggling case linked to actress Ranya Rao.
As part of its argument against granting bail to Ranya Rao, the central investigation agency told the Special Court for Economic Offences that she had traveled to Dubai 27 times since January 2025.
Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior police officer K. Ramachandra Rao, who holds the rank of DGP (Director General of Police).
“The investigation till date has unearthed the sophisticated methodology used in smuggling the gold, usage of State Police Protocol Officer to bypass security, Hawala Transaction to transfer the funds from India to Dubai to purchase gold, involvement of larger syndicate,”
-the DRI stated.
After considering these facts, the court denied bail to Ranya Rao on Friday.
Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar, who heard the case, paid close attention to the DRI’s claims.
“In the case on hand, the accused No 1 (Ranya Rao) possessing Resident Identity Card of UAE and having history of traveled to Dubai on 27 occasions since January 2025, is another factor which does not incline the court to extend discretionary relief of granting bail to accused,”
-the court declared, rejecting her bail request.
The DRI also mentioned that the investigation is still ongoing, particularly to trace international connections in this case.
Furthermore, it noted that Ranya Rao did not cooperate during the questioning while in custody.
“It is also specifically contended that the alleged offence is cognizable, non-bailable, and punishable with imprisonment up to seven years,”
-the court pointed out in its order.
The DRI also emphasized that this case has serious consequences for India’s economy and security.
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The court stated,
“The remand applications placed on record at this stage of proceedings, disclose the conspiracy hatched by the accused No1 (Ranya) by colluding with State Police Protocol Officer.”
Additionally, it noted,
“The arguments of the complainant Agency as to the usage of Hawala transaction for transfer of money from India to Dubai and also the International links being forthcoming as per the preliminary investigation is also a factor which inclines this court to hold the accused.”
The judge expressed concern that the accused could manipulate and tamper with evidence and witnesses, which would interfere with the fair conduct of the trial.
“The apprehension of the complainant as to the accused No.1 will throttle the witnesses and flee away from the process of court cannot be ruled out at this juncture,”
-the court stated.
The court also found that the preliminary evidence strongly suggested Ranya Rao’s direct involvement in gold smuggling.
“Prima facie at this juncture, the allegations against Ranya Rao are very much forthcoming and the concealment of the gold by her in the form of gold bars while traveling is very much transpiring her intention.”
Authorities seized gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from Ranya Rao when she arrived at Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai on March 3. Following this, officials searched her residence and recovered gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
Apart from DRI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are also investigating this case simultaneously.
Additionally, on March 10, the Karnataka government appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate whether DGP K. Ramachandra Rao was involved in his stepdaughter’s alleged gold smuggling activities.
The government also ordered a CID probe into possible lapses and negligence by police officers stationed at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
However, in a surprising turn of events, this order was withdrawn within hours of being issued.
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