Kannada actress Ranya Rao is involved in a serious gold smuggling case. The matter is being heard in a Bengaluru court, which will decide her bail plea on March 27.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Tuesday claimed that the actor, who was caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, had allegedly sourced money through hawala channels to purchase the contraband.
Ranya was arrested on March 3 after arriving in Bengaluru from Dubai. Authorities claim she was carrying 14.2 kg of gold bars, worth ₹12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has accused her of gold smuggling.
Also read: DRI: Ranya Rao admits using hawala for gold purchases
Ranya’s frequent trips to Dubai have raised suspicions. She is said to have made 27 trips there this year alone. The DRI also noted her possession of a UAE resident ID card and her use of the customs Green Channel to bypass duty checks.
These factors led to the rejection of her bail by the Special Court of Economic Offences on March 14. The court was concerned about the potential links to hawala transactions and international smuggling operations.
Ranya has now moved to the sessions court, seeking bail. The court’s decision tomorrow will determine her future. If granted bail, she will be released, but the investigation will continue. The case has raised questions about international smuggling networks and their impact on the economy.
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