Thu Feb 26 07:14:53 UTC 2026: ### Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Faces Chargesheet in Rs 102 Crore Gold Smuggling Case

The Story:

Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, along with her associate Tarun Konduru, and hawala dealer Sahil Sakariya Jain, has been named in a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a large-scale gold smuggling and money laundering case. The ED alleges that they smuggled 127.287 kg of gold, valued at approximately Rs 102.55 crore, into India between March 2024 and March 2025. The smuggled gold was allegedly sold through a network of handlers and jewellers, with proceeds laundered through hawala channels.

Key Points:

  • Ranya Rao and her associates are accused of smuggling 127.287 kg of gold worth Rs 102.55 crore into India.
  • The smuggling operation occurred between March 2024 and March 2025.
  • The smuggled gold was sold domestically, and the proceeds were laundered through hawala channels.
  • Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on March 3, 2025, while carrying 14.213 kg of smuggled gold.
  • The ED has provisionally attached immovable properties valued at Rs 34.12 crore in Ranya’s name.
  • Ranya was sentenced to one year imprisonment by an Advisory Board under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA).

Key Takeaways:

  • The case highlights the ongoing problem of gold smuggling into India and the use of hawala channels for money laundering.
  • The involvement of a public figure like Ranya Rao draws attention to the potential for criminal activity across various sectors.
  • The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation and chargesheet demonstrate efforts to combat financial crimes and cross-border smuggling.
  • The stringent actions taken against Ranya Rao, including imprisonment and asset attachment, signal a tough stance against economic offenders.

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