Kannada actress Ranya Rao, born Harshavardhini Ranya and known for her films like Maanikya (2014), has been ordered to remain in custody for one year under the stringent COFEPOSA Act, following a high-profile gold smuggling scandal. This case has grabbed headlines, involving her detention at Bangalore’s Kempegowda Airport and the dismissal of her bail petitions.
💼 The Smuggling Scandal & Airport Arrest
On March 3, 2025, Ranya Rao arrived from Dubai via flight EK 566 and opted for the “green channel” at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport—intended for passengers with no dutiable goods. However, her behavior aroused suspicion, leading DRI officers (including female staff) to conduct a search.
They discovered 14.2 kg of 24-karat gold valued at approximately ₹12.56 crore concealed under clothing and strapped to her body, along with gold jewelry and unaccounted cash found later at her residence.
⚖️ Bail Battle & COFEPOSA Detention
Initially granted default bail by a Special Court under the Customs Act on May 20, due to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) failing to file its chargesheet on time, Ranya Rao remained incarcerated. This was because the COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities) Act had been invoked—allowing preventive detention based on suspicion alone.
On July 17–18, the DRI’s Advisory Board confirmed her one-year detention under COFEPOSA, and ruled that no bail petitions may be filed during this period.
🕵️♀️ Details Unearthed in Investigation
According to DRI findings:
- Ranya Rao made an astonishing 52 trips to Dubai between 2023 and March 2025.
- Post-arrest, searches of her Bangalore residence revealed ₹2.06 crore in gold jewelry and ₹2.67 crore in cash.
- Further involvement of two associates, Tarun Konduru Raju and Sahil Sakariya Jain, was confirmed; they too face COFEPOSA detention.
- Authorities suspect an international smuggling ring using hawala routes and dual-use documentation, enabling gold shipments via Dubai, Uganda, and beyond.
🚓 Consequences & Legal Implications
COFEPOSA allows preventive detention up to one year without bail, intended to counter serious smuggling or foreign exchange threats. The Advisory Board’s decision reinforces DRI’s case that her release could impede investigations.
While Ranya’s bail pleas were dismissed at various levels—including the Karnataka High Court and a mother’s habeas corpus petition—her detention continues. Income Tax officials have been granted permission to record her statement at Bangalore Central Prison—where she, along with other arrested associates, remains lodged.
📉 Political & Industry Fallout
The scandal has rocked Karnataka’s film community. Ranya Rao’s husband, Jatin Hukkeri, an architect, has kept a low profile. Meanwhile, anti-smuggling efforts are strengthening, with enforcement agencies like the Enforcement Directorate already freezing ₹34 crore in linked assets.
This crackdown signals a growing government drive to curb smuggling and illegal money flows through prominent public figures.
🔑 Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | 3 March 2025 |
| Seizure Amount | 14.2 kg gold (₹12.56 crore) |
| Initial Bail Date | 20 May 2025 (under Customs Act) |
| COFEPOSA Invocation | Preventive detention for 1 year |
| COFEPOSA Appeal Outcome (Jul ’25) | Advisory board upheld no-bail order |
| Prison Location | Bengaluru Central Prison |
| Additional Findings | ₹2.06 crore jewelry, ₹2.67 crore cash at residence |
🧭 Final Takeaway
The Ranya Rao gold-smuggling case is a high-profile example of international smuggling and enforcement under stringent anti-smuggling laws like COFEPOSA. Despite initial bail, her continued detention emphasizes how seriously the central government is cracking down on illicit gold trafficking and financial transparency. As her year-long detention proceeds, broader anti-money laundering action continues to resonate across India.
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