The 64th CCH Sessions Court in Bengaluru has once again denied bail to Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya alias Ranya Rao in connection with a gold smuggling case. This marks the third rejection of her bail plea, with an earlier refusal from the Special Court for Economic Offences on March 14. Her legal team is now preparing to move the Karnataka High Court for relief.
Case Background
- Gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore were seized from Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, following her arrival from Dubai.
- Subsequent searches at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) informed the court that Ranya admitted to receiving funds via hawala transactions for the gold purchase.
Ongoing Investigations & Arrests
- The court also denied bail to Tarun Konduru Raju, arrested on March 10 for his alleged involvement in the case.
- On March 26, gold dealer Sahil Sakariya Jain was arrested for allegedly helping Ranya dispose of the smuggled gold.
- Authorities obtained four days of custody for Sahil after presenting him before a magistrate.
- The DRI linked Sahil’s involvement through digital evidence and Ranya’s voluntary confession.
With the investigation intensifying, officials continue to probe the hawala network and gold smuggling operation, while Ranya’s legal battle for bail moves to the next stage.
