Gold smuggling controversy: Ranya Rao has to face 1 year in jail without bail as Cofeposa is invited
A new update has come in the case of Ranya Rao’s alleged gold smuggling, under which has been booked Conservation of foreign currency and prevention of smuggling activities (Cofeposa) Act, 1974. According to reports, the Kannada actress can be kept in jail for a full year without bail.
Mathrubhumi said that officials have said that the Act was implemented to prevent the actress from preventing or conducting further smuggling activities on release. The reason behind the move is quoted as an actress’ non-cooperation with investigating agencies.
Ranya Rao in Bengaluru Central Jail
On 3 March, Ranya Rao was arrested at Camemegowda International Airport. On his arrival from Dubai, 14.2 kg of gold bars were found at a price of 12.5 crores. Another co-accused in the case, Raju was arrested on 9 March.
As we speak, Ranya Rao, along with the other two accused, Tarun Raju and Sahil Sakaria Jain are in Bangalore Central Jail.
So far in his defense, Rao’s lawyers have said that he has “been incorrectly implicated in the case”. He has tried to bail, which has been opposed by a senior advocate opposing. Citing the report of the investigation, the opposing lawyer told the court that 100 kg of gold was smuggled from Dubai from Dubai by actress and her friend Tarun Raju.
According to reports, the investigation data says that between January and March of this year, Rao and Raju jointly traveled to Dubai 20 times. In addition, Rao allegedly made a total of 56 trips to Dubai from 2023 to 2025.
In addition, with the investigation by DRI, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate have launched a separate investigation to investigate any possible participation of government officials including Kannada actress, DGP Ramchandra Rao in smuggling activities.
Karnataka HC refused bail
Meanwhile, although the above, the actress’s lawyers are allegedly trying to get her out, the Karnataka High Court on Saturday refused to bail Ranya and co-accused Tarun.
