The Karnataka High Court on Saturday denied bail to Kannada actor Ranya Rao and her friend Tarun Konduru Raju. Both are accused in a gold smuggling case.
Justice S Vishwajith Shetty dismissed their bail applications. A detailed court order is expected soon.
Ranya Rao’s lawyer, Sandesh Chouta, said she was falsely accused. But Madhu N Rao, representing the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), strongly opposed bail for both.
The DRI told the court that 100 kilograms of gold had been smuggled into India from Dubai by the accused.
Also read: Actor Ranya Rao linked to ₹40 crore gold smuggling: DRI
The court questioned how Rao managed to receive VIP treatment and police escort at Bengaluru airport. The DRI said that part was still under investigation.
Raju’s lawyer argued for bail, saying his client only travelled to Dubai and handed over the gold to Rao. He denied all other allegations.
Ranya Rao was arrested on 3 March at Kempegowda International Airport. She was found with 14.2 kg of gold bars, valued at ₹12.5 crore (£1.2 million approx). She had declared nothing at customs.
Raju was arrested on 9 March.
The DRI claims the pair flew to Dubai over 20 times between January and March 2025. Rao reportedly made 56 trips between 2023 and 2025.
Officials say the investigation is underway.
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