Karnataka Gold Smuggling Case Deepens with New Findings by DRI
The Karnataka gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao has evolved into a significant political and legal controversy, drawing attention to crime, politics, and law enforcement in the state.
Investigation and Seizures
On March 3, 2025, Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress and stepdaughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police K. Ramachandra Rao, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. She was found attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of 24-karat gold, valued at over 12.56 crore Indian rupees, concealed on her body. A search of her residence uncovered 2.06 crore in gold jewellery and 2.67 crore in cash, totaling 4.73 crore in assets.
The investigation revealed that Rao had made approximately 52 trips to Dubai between 2023 and March 2025, with 45 of them being single-day round trips, to smuggle specific quantities of gold on each trip.
Associates and Network
As reported, she earned 1 lakh Indian rupees per kilogram of gold smuggled. Authorities suspect her connection to a broader smuggling network that may involve political figures, businesspersons, and law enforcement officials. The investigation uncovered a network involving several individuals:
- Tarun Konduru Raju: A businessman and actor, Raju was arrested for assisting Rao in purchasing gold in Dubai and managing transactions.
- Sahil Sakariya Jain: A gold dealer from Ballari, Jain was arrested for facilitating the sale of smuggled gold worldwide.
The DRI's findings suggest that Rao, along with her associates, smuggled approximately 14.56 kg of gold into India, resulting in a customs duty loss of ₹4.45 crore.
Political Incrimination
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation, and the case has taken a political turn. The ED is conducting searches at institutions linked to Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara as part of a money laundering investigation connected to the Rao gold smuggling case. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar publicly defended Parameshwara, calling him a "clean and honest man." Parameshwara himself denied any involvement, labeling the ED’s actions as politically motivated.
Legal Proceedings and COFEPOSA Detention
Ranya Rao was initially denied bail due to the serious nature of the charges and potential economic impact. However, she was granted bail by the Bengaluru court on May 20, 2025, due to the DRI’s failure to file a charge sheet within the mandated 60-day period. Under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974, she remains in custody under a preventive detention order.
Current Scenario
As of now, Ranya Rao remains in judicial custody under the COFEPOSA Act. Her mother has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Karnataka High Court. The investigation continues, with authorities examining the extent of the smuggling network and potential involvement of other individuals.
Conclusion
The Ranya Rao gold smuggling case in Karnataka has exposed a complex network involving figures from the film industry, political personalities, and law enforcement officials. As investigations continue, the case highlights the challenges in tackling smuggling operations and the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions.
References
- Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case deepens with new findings by DRI | Kannada Movie News - Times of India
- Forensic Analysis Links Ranya Rao to Co-Accused in Gold Smuggling Case
- Parameshwara denies links to Ranya case | Bengaluru News - Times of India
- Gifts might have been given during marriage: DK Shivakumar defends Parameshwara amid ED raids in gold smuggling case - The Economic Times
- DK Shivakumar’s ‘wedding gift’ spin as ED targets home minister Parameshwara over Ranya Rao gold smuggling case | Bengaluru News - Times of India
- ED may summon Karnataka home minister Parameshwara in Ranya Rao case | India News - Times of India
- Kannada actress Ranya Rao granted bail in gold smuggling case, to remain in the custody | Kannada Movie News - Times of India
- Ranya Rao: Gold smuggling case: Ranya Rao granted bail by Bengaluru court - The Economic Times
- Ranya Rao case - Ranya Rao gold smuggling case ED raids in Karnataka - India Today
- Gold Smuggling: Latest News, Photos, Videos on Gold Smuggling - NDTV.COM
