By The Sampadak Express
The Economic Offences Court has rejected the bail application of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested in connection with a major gold smuggling case. Rao, aged 34, was apprehended on March 3 when she arrived at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai, carrying 14 kgs of gold bars worth ₹12.56 crores.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has accused the actress of being involved in a significant gold smuggling operation. During a court hearing on Wednesday, DRI opposed Rao’s bail, arguing that releasing her could hamper the ongoing investigation, potentially leading to tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
Meanwhile, Tarun Konduru, the second accused in the case, has filed a bail application, which will be heard on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Ranya Rao, however, has claimed that she was mistreated during her detention. She alleged verbal abuse by DRI officials when she hesitated to answer certain questions and accused them of coercing her into signing documents without proper consent. The DRI has denied these allegations, stating that all procedures were followed lawfully and respectfully.
Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. In response to the case, the Karnataka government has appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate any potential role of Ramachandra Rao in the smuggling operation involving his stepdaughter.
Additionally, the government has ordered a CID inquiry into the alleged negligence and lapses by police officers at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
Ranya Rao remains in judicial custody as the investigation continues.
