May 20, 2025 : Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was granted conditional bail by the Economic Offences Court on Tuesday in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case. Despite the court’s decision, Rao will remain in judicial custody due to a separate case filed under the COFEPOSA Act (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act).
Tarun Kondaraju, a co-accused in the same case, was also granted conditional bail.
The court stipulated that both individuals must submit two sureties each and a personal bond of ₹2 lakh to secure their release. Additionally, they have been barred from leaving the country and ordered not to engage in any similar illegal activity.
Ranya Rao was initially arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, after officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) allegedly caught her in possession of smuggled gold.
Following the arrest, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of the DRI. The FIR includes charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and various sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS).
The case widened after two foreign nationals were arrested at Mumbai Airport on March 6 for attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold, valued at approximately ₹18.92 crore, into India. Investigators believe the arrests may be linked.
The case continues to develop as authorities probe deeper into the network behind the alleged smuggling ring.