Thu Mar 27 09:50:29 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru Actress Denied Bail in Major Gold Smuggling Case
**Bengaluru, India** – A Bengaluru sessions court today rejected the bail application of actress Ranya Rao, who stands accused in a significant gold smuggling case involving over 14.2 kg of gold (valued at over Rs 12.56 crore). Rao was arrested on March 3rd.
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting Rao admitted to using hawala channels (informal money transfer systems) to purchase the gold. Further investigations are planned to uncover potential financial irregularities. A judicial investigation has been ordered.
A second accused, Tarun Raj, an aide of the actress, remains in custody awaiting a bail decision. The prosecution revealed that Rao and Raj made 26 trips together to Dubai, allegedly using a sophisticated smuggling operation where Raj would receive gold in Dubai and Rao would arrange his travel. Upon return, the gold was allegedly passed on to a merchant, Sahil Jain, who was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday. Three arrests have been made in total.
The investigation has also implicated senior police officer and Rao’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, who has been questioned and placed on compulsory leave by the Karnataka government on March 15th. Authorities allege Rao misused her stepfather’s position to bypass security checks, leveraging protocol reserved for high-ranking officials. The investigation continues.
First Piper 