Karnataka HC Rejects Actress Ranya Rao’s Bail Plea in Rs. 12.5 Crore Gold Smuggling Case [Read Order]
Karnataka HC denied bail to actress Ranya Rao in Rs. 12.5 crore gold smuggling case citing the serious nature of the offence and ongoing investigation
Karnataka High Court – Ranya Rao – Gold Smuggling Case – taxscan
Karnataka High Court – Ranya Rao – Gold Smuggling Case – taxscan
In a recent order, the Karnataka High Court dismissed the bail petition filed by actress Harshavardini Ranya, popularly known as Ranya Rao, in connection with a Rs. 12.5 crore gold smuggling case.
The case was registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence ( DRI ), Bengaluru, against Ranya Rao and her co-accused Tarun Konduru Raju under various provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. According to the prosecution, Ranya Rao was intercepted on March 3, 2025, at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, after arriving from Dubai.
A personal search led to the recovery of 14.2 kg of gold bars, valued at over Rs. 12.5 crore, concealed on her body. The investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly travelled to Dubai 34 times, falsely declaring destinations like Geneva or Bangkok, while consistently returning to India.
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The petitioners’ counsel argued that the alleged offences were compoundable and punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment, making them eligible for bail. Ranya Rao claimed to have deep social ties, reducing the risk of absconding. They also challenged the legality of the search and arrest procedures, alleging non-compliance with Section 102 of the Customs Act and Section 50A of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The prosecution argued that the search was lawfully conducted by a lady gazetted customs officer with valid consent. Arrest memos were served, and nominated persons were duly informed. The DRI further alleged that the smuggling operation involved hawala funding by a third accused and highlighted Ranya Rao’s alleged misuse of government facilities through high-level connections, raising concerns over potential interference in the investigation.
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The single bench of Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty observed that economic offences involving smuggling and evasion of customs duties have serious implications for the national economy. The court referenced several Supreme Court rulings, including State of Gujarat v. Mohanlal Jitamalji Porwal, P. Chidambaram v. Directorate of Enforcement, and Serious Fraud Investigation Office v. Aditya Sarda, to explain the need for a stricter approach while considering bail in economic offences.
The court ruled that bail could not be granted merely on the ground that the offence was compoundable or triable by a Magistrate. The bail petition was dismissed.
To Read the full text of the Order CLICK HERE
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