A sessions court in Bengaluru has denied bail to Kannada actor Harshavardhini Ranya, widely known as Ranya Rao, in a high-profile gold smuggling case. Ranya is accused of using hawala channels to facilitate gold purchases and handing over smuggled gold to a merchant named Sahil Jain, who was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The case has revealed an intricate smuggling network involving multiple individuals, including Ranya’s associate, Tarun Raj. Authorities believe the investigation will uncover further financial irregularities, as they continue their probe into the illicit operation.
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Ranya, along with Tarun Raj, made approximately 26 trips to Dubai, often leaving in the morning and returning the same evening. Before her arrest, she allegedly booked a flight ticket for Raj, who then smuggled gold and handed it over to her in Dubai. On March 3, officials at Kempegowda International Airport seized gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from Ranya upon her arrival from Dubai. Further searches at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore.
Authorities are also investigating potential links between Ranya’s stepfather, DGP-rank officer K Ramachandra Rao, and the smuggling network. Following the seizure, the Karnataka government placed him on compulsory leave and later questioned him regarding his possible involvement in the case.
Sahil Jain, the merchant who allegedly received the smuggled gold, was taken into custody by the DRI, making him the third suspect arrested in the case. Jain, a resident of Ballari, is believed to have played a crucial role in the smuggling operation by facilitating the sale of illicit gold and handling proceeds from multiple transactions. Police have charged him under Section 135 (1) (b) of the Customs Act, 1962, which includes non-bailable offenses. Authorities secured a four-day custody of Jain on Thursday to further investigate his role in the operation.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a well-known actor and the alleged use of high-level connections to facilitate smuggling activities. As the investigation continues, officials are expected to uncover more details about the network and its operations, potentially leading to more arrests and legal actions.
