🛑 Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Jailed Under COFEPOSA in ₹12.56 Cr Gold Smuggling Case – No Bail for a Year

Kannada Actor Ranya Rao Jailed for Gold Smuggling Under COFEPOSA: No Bail for One Year

🚨 In a dramatic turn of events, Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has been sentenced to one year of preventive detention under the stringent COFEPOSA Act, following her arrest in a ₹12.56 crore gold smuggling case.

🛑 Advisory Board Denies Bail

The Advisory Board for the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) has ruled that Ranya Rao will not be granted bail during her entire detention period. This decision overrides a previous default bail granted on May 20 by a Bengaluru court, which was issued after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) failed to file a chargesheet within the mandated timeframe.

Despite the bail being sanctioned with a ₹2 lakh bond and surety conditions, Rao and her co-accused Tarun Raju remained in custody due to the COFEPOSA order, which allows detention for up to one year based solely on suspicion of smuggling activities.

✈️ The Airport Bust That Sparked It All

The case dates back to March 3, when Ranya Rao arrived at Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai and attempted to pass through the green channel, reserved for passengers without dutiable goods. Her anxious demeanour raised red flags, prompting a detailed search by female DRI officers.

What followed was a staggering discovery: 14.2 kilograms of gold, concealed in her luggage, valued at ₹12.56 crore. She was immediately taken into custody, and further investigation revealed she had made 34 solo trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025.

🏠 Raids and Revelations

Subsequent raids at Rao’s residence uncovered gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, suggesting a larger smuggling network. Her co-accused, Telugu actor Virat Konduru (aka Tarun Raju) and alleged hawala dealer Sahil Sakariya Jain, also face detention under COFEPOSA.

Rao’s legal team has accused the DRI of document manipulation, arguing that the offences are compoundable under the Customs Act. However, courts have consistently denied bail, including the Karnataka High Court, which is now reviewing a habeas corpus plea filed by Rao’s mother.

⚖️ Legal Fallout and Industry Shock

The case has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry, where Rao was known for her role in Maanikya. Her arrest and continued detention have sparked debates on the use of preventive detention laws in economic offences and the impact on celebrity accountability.

With COFEPOSA invoked, Rao’s career remains in limbo, and her legal battle is far from over. A periodic review of her detention is expected in the coming months.

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