The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has identified jeweller Sahil Sakariya Jain as a key accomplice in assisting Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, in the disposal of 49.6 kg of smuggled gold valued at ₹40.14 crore.
The DRI’s remand note states that Jain not only facilitated the illegal transaction but also played a role in hawala money transfers linked to the smuggling operation.
Jain was arrested on March 26 for his involvement in the case and has been remanded to judicial custody until April 7. Investigators allege that he actively helped Ranya in the disposal of the gold while also orchestrating hawala transactions.
The DRI noted that he aided Ranya in transferring approximately ₹38.39 crore to Dubai through hawala channels and further facilitated the transfer of ₹1.73 crore to her in Bengaluru.
The agency also highlighted that the unaccounted cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore, which was seized from Ranya’s residence on March 4, was likely hawala money derived from her gold smuggling operations.
Also read: Gold smuggling case: Kannada actor Ranya’s bail plea denied
The funds were allegedly part of the profits she made from purchasing gold in Dubai and selling it in Bengaluru. Jain reportedly admitted to receiving a commission of ₹55,000 for each transaction he assisted with.
Evidence extracted from Jain’s two mobile phones and a laptop further supports his deep involvement in the smuggling operation. In January 2025, he allegedly helped Ranya dispose of 14.568 kg of gold worth ₹11.56 crore and facilitated hawala transactions amounting to ₹11.01 crore to Dubai, along with an additional ₹55 lakh in Bengaluru.
Similarly, in February, Jain is said to have assisted Ranya in disposing of 13.433 kg of gold valued at ₹11.81 crore. During the same month, he facilitated hawala transfers of ₹11.25 crore to Dubai and ₹55.81 lakh to Ranya in Bengaluru.
Ranya, the stepdaughter of a Karnataka DGP-rank officer, was arrested on March 3 upon her return from Dubai at Kempegowda International Airport. The DRI seized 14.7 kg of gold from her possession, marking a major breakthrough in the smuggling investigation.
Also Read: Actress Ranya Rao moves bail petition in Karnataka HC
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