March 24, 2025: The final report in the high-profile Ranya Rao gold smuggling case is expected to be submitted today, as confirmed by Karnataka Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta. Gupta, who is leading the investigation, assured the media on Monday that the inquiry had been conducted meticulously and without any undue pressure on those involved.
“We are finalizing the last details of the report and anticipate submitting it today. The investigation was thorough, and no one was under any pressure. Around 10-15 individuals have been questioned,” Gupta stated. He also mentioned that several individuals associated with the case had been probed as part of the investigation.
Ranya Rao’s arrest took place on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport when officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) discovered she was carrying gold. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed an FIR based on a complaint lodged by Abhishek Chandra Gupta, the Additional Director of DRI. The FIR cited violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS).
In addition, Gupta’s complaint detailed the arrest of two foreign nationals at Mumbai Airport on March 6, who were attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold into India, valued at Rs. 18.92 crore. The incident raised concerns about a possible connection to a well-organized smuggling syndicate, potentially operating from Dubai (UAE), with further suspicions regarding the involvement of public servants and other accomplices in the smuggling operation.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the alleged gold smuggling network.