Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s bail plea has been denied by the special court for economic offenses in a gold smuggling case due to the severity of the charges against her. Justice Vishwanath Gowdar, who presided over the court, sided with the prosecution’s argument that the actor should remain in judicial custody.
Ranya Rao was initially placed in 14-day judicial custody following her arrest at the airport on March 4. Meanwhile, the second accused, Tarun Raju, has been sent to judicial custody for 15 days.
Ranya Rao Bail Denied
Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s bail request was denied by the Economic Offences Court on Friday in connection with a gold smuggling case, according to ANI.
Another person involved in the case, Tarun Konduru, has also applied for bail. His request will be reviewed in court on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Ranya Rao, who is 34 years old, was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. She was caught carrying 14 kg of gold bars in her luggage after arriving from Dubai. The seized gold is valued at ₹12.56 crore. Authorities took her into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into the smuggling operation.
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DRI Accuses Ranya Rao of Gold Smuggling
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has accused Kannada actress Ranya Rao of involvement in a major gold smuggling operation. During a court hearing on Wednesday, the agency strongly opposed her bail, arguing that her release could obstruct the ongoing investigation. According to PTI, the DRI believes granting bail may lead to evidence tampering or witness intimidation.
Ranya Rao, however, has alleged mistreatment during her detention. She claimed that DRI officials verbally abused her when she hesitated to answer certain questions. She also accused them of forcing her to sign documents without proper consent. The DRI has denied these allegations, stating that all legal procedures were followed with due respect.
Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Amid the controversy, the Karnataka government has launched an investigation into her alleged involvement in the smuggling case.
On March 11, the government appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate whether DGP-rank officer Ramachandra Rao played any role in the case. The Chief Minister’s office confirmed on Tuesday that an official order was issued on Monday night for the probe.
In addition, the government has ordered a CID investigation into possible lapses by police officers stationed at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru. Authorities suspect negligence or misconduct in security checks that may have facilitated the smuggling operation.
As the case unfolds, legal experts suggest that the investigation could have far-reaching implications, not only for Ranya Rao but also for law enforcement officers allegedly involved in the controversy.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why was Ranya Rao’s bail plea denied?
Ans. Ranya Rao’s bail was denied due to the severity of the charges, as the prosecution argued that her release could hinder the investigation and lead to evidence tampering.
Q.2. When was Ranya Rao arrested?
Ans. Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, after authorities found 14 kg of gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore in her luggage.
Q.3. Who is the second accused in the case?
Ans. Tarun Raju, another suspect in the case, has been sent to judicial custody for 15 days. Additionally, Tarun Konduru has applied for bail, with a hearing set for Saturday.
Q.4. What allegations has Ranya Rao made against the DRI?
Ans. Ranya Rao alleged that DRI officials verbally abused her and forced her to sign documents without proper consent during her detention. The DRI has denied these claims.
Q.5. What actions has the Karnataka government taken in this case?
Ans. The Karnataka government has appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate any involvement of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao and has also ordered a CID probe into airport security lapses.
