Bail Plea of Actor Ranya Rao, Arrested in Gold Smuggling Case, Rejected
Bengaluru: In a significant development, the bail plea of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case, has been rejected by the court. The decision comes amid ongoing investigations into her alleged involvement in the smuggling racket, which has drawn widespread attention across Karnataka.
Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in October 2023 for her alleged role in a gold smuggling operation. The DRI had intercepted a consignment of gold worth several crores at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which was reportedly being smuggled into the country. Investigations revealed that Rao was allegedly part of a larger network involved in smuggling gold through international routes.
During the hearing, the prosecution argued that Rao played a key role in the smuggling operation and that releasing her on bail could hamper the ongoing investigation. They emphasized the need for her continued custody to uncover the full extent of the network and identify other individuals involved.
Rao’s defense team, however, contended that she was not directly involved in the smuggling and had no prior knowledge of the illegal activities. They also highlighted her cooperation with the investigation and requested bail on humanitarian grounds, citing her career and personal circumstances.
The court, after considering both sides, ruled against granting bail, stating that the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses warranted her continued detention. The judge also noted that the investigation was still in progress and that Rao’s release could impede the process.
This case has brought the issue of gold smuggling into the spotlight, with authorities intensifying efforts to crack down on such operations. Gold smuggling has been a persistent challenge for law enforcement agencies, with smugglers often using sophisticated methods to bypass customs and security checks.
Ranya Rao, a well-known face in the Kannada film industry, has appeared in several popular films and television shows. Her arrest has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many expressing surprise at her alleged involvement in the case.
The DRI has been working closely with other agencies to dismantle the smuggling network, and several other individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation is expected to continue for several more weeks, with authorities aiming to uncover the entire chain of operations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the rejection of Ranya Rao’s bail plea marks a critical juncture in the case. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the charges and the determination of law enforcement agencies to tackle organized smuggling activities.
