Karnataka High Court Reserves Order on Bail Pleas of Actress Ranya Rao, Co-Accused in Gold Smuggling Case
Bengaluru, June 6: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on the bail petitions of Kannada actress Ranya Rao and her associate Tarun Konduru Raju, arrested last month by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with an alleged gold smuggling racket.
A bench headed by Justice S. Vishwajit Shetty heard arguments from both sides, as the DRI sought further custody of the accused for interrogation, while the defense contended procedural lapses in their arrest.
Defense Challenges Legality of Arrest, Seizure
Ranya Rao’s counsel argued that the DRI violated provisions of the Customs Act during the seizure of gold ornaments and biscuits from her at the airport and later from her residence. The lawyer claimed that the search was not conducted in the presence of a Gazetted Officer or Magistrate, as mandated by law.
Additionally, the defense cited a Supreme Court ruling requiring law enforcement to inform family members in writing before making an arrest. However, Ranya’s husband was allegedly informed only via phone. Her counsel further argued that since the charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years, the Magistrate Court had the authority to grant bail, yet she has remained in judicial custody for 49 days.
Co-Accused Denies Involvement
Raju’s legal team contended that his only link to the case was his partnership in Ranya’s company, asserting that he had no direct role in gold smuggling. “Ranya is financially independent and capable of purchasing gold herself,” his lawyer argued.
When the court pointed out the DRI’s claim that Raju provided funds for gold purchases, his counsel countered, “These allegations lack substantiated proof. If there was customs duty evasion, Ranya alone should be held accountable, not Raju.” The defense maintained that Raju’s sole alleged involvement was handing over gold to Ranya in Dubai, with no direct ties to smuggling operations in India.
DRI Alerts Court of Wider Smuggling Network
Opposing bail, the DRI’s advocate alleged that Ranya and Raju were key players in a smuggling syndicate, funneling gold from Dubai to India via a third accused, Sahil Jain. “We are investigating evidence linked to nearly 100 kg of smuggled gold, and the probe is ongoing,” the DRI counsel said.
The agency further claimed that Raju, a US citizen, frequently purchased gold in Dubai under the guise of exporting it to Switzerland and Thailand, only to route it illegally into India through Ranya. “The duo made 31 trips to Dubai, with 25 being same-day returns,” the DRI revealed.
Rejecting claims of procedural violations, the agency stated that Ranya’s husband was duly informed of her arrest in writing. The DRI also highlighted an ongoing inquiry into how Ranya allegedly received protocol privileges at Bengaluru airport upon returning from the US.
With the court reserving its order, the accused remain in custody as the high-stakes legal battle continues.
