Wed Mar 26 02:42:38 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actress Admits to Using Hawala Channels in Gold Smuggling Case
**Bengaluru, March 26, 2025** – Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya (Ranya Rao) admitted to using hawala channels for gold purchases, the prosecution revealed in a special court hearing on Tuesday. The court adjourned its decision on her bail plea until March 27.
The prosecution’s claim strengthens their case against Rao, who was arrested on March 3 after arriving at Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai with gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore. Further searches uncovered gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash at her residence.
Rao’s lawyer, Kiran Jawali, argued for her release, while the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) counsel, Madhu Rao, presented evidence supporting the actress’s direct involvement. Authorities have invoked Section 108 of the Customs Act, initiating a judicial inquiry into the financial irregularities. This inquiry, officials clarified, is not a police interrogation but a judicial investigation to determine the extent of the illegal transactions and potential connections to a wider smuggling network.
The case also involves Rao’s stepfather, a DGP-rank officer, who has been placed on compulsory leave and questioned. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full scope of the gold smuggling operation.
First Piper 