Bengaluru Court Denies Bail to Actress Ranya Rao in Gold Smuggling Case

Bengaluru, 15th March 2025: A special court in Bengaluru on Friday denied bail to actress Ranya Rao, 33, in a gold smuggling case, citing national security concerns, her frequent travel to Dubai—including 27 trips since January 2025—and her possession of a UAE Resident Identity Card.

The actress was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport on March 3 upon arrival from Dubai, carrying 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore strapped to her body. The arrest was based on intelligence gathered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

“The accused, holding a UAE Resident Identity Card and having traveled to Dubai on 27 occasions since January 2025, is a significant factor that does not warrant the court’s discretion in granting bail,” the special court stated in its ruling.

The court also dismissed her counsel’s argument that she should be granted bail on the grounds of her gender. “Given the nature of this case, which poses a threat to national security and the country’s revenue, the court is not inclined to exercise discretion in granting bail at this stage,” the ruling added.

Additionally, the court rejected claims by her legal representatives—senior advocate Kiran Javali and customs defense lawyer B S Girish—that the DRI failed to comply with Section 102 of the Customs Act by not obtaining her written consent before conducting a physical search. The court clarified that “the written consent of
the accused is on record, confirming compliance with the required procedure, which is sufficient to establish a triable case.”

Emphasizing the severity of the offense, the court noted that economic crimes impact the financial stability of the country and legitimate gold traders. It also pointed out that Ranya Rao had not fully cooperated with the investigation.

DRI officials apprehended her when she bypassed customs without declaring the gold and instead walked through the green channel, accompanied by a Bengaluru police protocol officer.

Incidentally, Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP-rank officer K Ramachandra Rao IPS. The DRI has alleged that she exploited the police protocol service designated for the DGP at the airport to facilitate gold smuggling.