Actress Ranya Rao granted bail in gold smuggling case

Kannada actressRanya Rao, also known as Harshavardhani Ranya, has been granted default bail by a Bengaluru court in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case. However, despite securing bail, she continues to remain in custody due to a preventive detention order issued under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974, reports TOI.Arrest and AllegationsRanya Rao was arrested on March 3, 2025, at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, after authorities found 14.2 kilograms of 24-karat gold concealed on her body. The gold, valued at over ₹12.56 crore, was allegedly smuggled from Dubai. Further investigations revealed that Rao had made 27 trips to Dubai within six months prior to her arrest, raising suspicions of her involvement in a larger smuggling network.Bail Granted, with ConditionsThe Special Court for Economic Offences granted Rao default bail on May 20, 2025, after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) failed to file a chargesheet within the legally mandated 60-day period. The bail was sanctioned on the condition that Rao submit a personal bond of ₹2 lakh along with two sureties. As part of the conditions, she has also been barred from leaving the country and from engaging in any similar offenses.

Preventive Detention Under COFEPOSADespite the bail order, Rao remains behind bars due to a preventive detention directive issued under the COFEPOSA Act. The legislation permits authorities to detain individuals without bail for up to a year in order to prevent them from continuing smuggling-related activities. The detention order against Rao was issued citing her alleged lack of cooperation with investigators and concerns that she may resume unlawful activities if released.Legal Challenge and Ongoing InvestigationRao’s legal team has challenged the preventive detention order in the Karnataka High Court, claiming it is legally unjustifiable. The case has attracted considerable public and media attention, given the actress’s celebrity status and the serious nature of the charges, reports TOI.Meanwhile, investigations remain ongoing, with authorities continuing to assess the extent of Rao’s involvement in the smuggling operation and exploring possible links to other individuals or organizations.