Ranya Rao Fined ₹102 Crore in Gold Smuggling Case

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has imposed a penalty of ₹102 crore on Kannada film actress Ranya Rao in a gold smuggling case. This penalty is part of a larger action where a total fine of over ₹270 crore has been levied on four individuals, including Rao, for allegedly smuggling over 127 kg of gold.

Key Details of the Case

The case came to light on March 3, 2025, when the DRI apprehended Ranya Rao at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru upon her arrival from Dubai. She was caught with 14.8 kg of gold, which she had allegedly concealed on her person. Subsequent investigations revealed a much larger smuggling operation. The DRI’s probe concluded that Rao and her associates had smuggled a total of 127.3 kg of gold into the country.

The penalty notice, which reportedly spans over 2,500 pages, was served to the accused while they are currently in Bengaluru Central Jail. The DRI has warned that if the fine is not paid, their properties could be attached to recover the amount.

The Accused and Penalties

The penalties imposed are as follows:

• Ranya Rao: ₹102.55 crore for allegedly smuggling 127.3 kg of gold.
• Tarun Konduru Raju: A fine of ₹62 crore for smuggling 67.6 kg of gold.
• Sahil Jain and Bharat Jain: Fined ₹53 crore each for smuggling 63.61 kg of gold each.

The case has garnered significant attention, not only due to the scale of the operation and the involvement of a public figure but also because of Rao’s connection to a senior IPS officer, who is her stepfather. Additionally, Rao has alleged maltreatment while in DRI custody, claiming she was coerced and subjected to physical and psychological pressure.

This case is being pursued under various sections of the Customs Act and the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), with criminal prosecution expected to follow the financial penalties.