Karnataka HC Delays Ranya Rao’s Bail Hearing Until April 17
Actress Remains in Custody as DRI Told to File Objections
The Karnataka High Court has rescheduled the bail plea hearing of Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, to April 17. Ranya Rao is currently in judicial custody due to her alleged involvement in a major gold smuggling case. The court has ordered the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to file its objections by April 17.
Case Background
- Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardhani Ranya, was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, 2025, for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai.
- Investigations revealed that Ranya had taken 45 solo trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025, raising suspicions of her involvement in a larger smuggling network.
- Further inquiries found her links to Vira Diamonds Trading, a Dubai-based company she co-founded with actor and businessman Tarun Raju in 2023. Authorities believe the company was used as a cover for smuggling operations.
- Tarun Raju, also known as Virat Konduru, was arrested after investigators discovered evidence that he purchased gold in Dubai and helped transport it illegally to India.
- Jeweler Sahil Jain was also implicated. He is suspected of assisting Ranya in selling nearly 49 kilograms of smuggled gold worth over ₹40 crore. Jain is believed to have handled hawala transactions, moving large sums of money to Dubai and receiving commissions for his role.
DRI’s Evidence and Past Court Decisions
The DRI has provided significant evidence connecting all three accused to the smuggling ring. Previously, the court denied bail to Raju due to the seriousness of the economic offense and the potential flight risk due to his frequent overseas travel.
A special court in Bengaluru extended the judicial custody of Ranya Rao and co-accused Tarun Raju and Sahil Jain until April 21 in connection with this high-profile gold smuggling case. The trio is accused of illegally importing gold worth over ₹12.56 crore from Dubai to India.
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
