A special court for economic offences in Bengaluru has refused bail to actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested earlier this month for allegedly smuggling gold through Bengaluru International Airport.
Ranya was apprehended by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials on March 3 while allegedly attempting to transport 14.2 kg of gold, valued at ₹12.86 crore, concealed in her clothing. Authorities claim she used VIP access routes to evade customs checks.
During Friday’s proceedings, the court rejected her bail plea, with the prosecution arguing that the case involved a large-scale smuggling network requiring deeper investigation. While the defence challenged procedural lapses in her arrest, the court sided with investigators, citing the ongoing probe and the gravity of the allegations.
A subsequent raid at Ranya’s residence led to the discovery of jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, pushing the total seizure in the case to ₹17.29 crore.
Currently in judicial custody, Ranya had previously spent three days in DRI interrogation. Meanwhile, the High Court has restrained media outlets from publishing defamatory content related to her stepfather, a senior IPS officer, and ordered caution against any rash legal action against her husband.