In a significant development in the high-profile gold smuggling case that shook the nation, Kannada actress Ranya Rao has finally been granted bail. After spending over a year in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru, the actress’s persistent legal efforts have succeeded. A special court for economic offenses granted the bail on Wednesday, marking a major turn in the case where she was named as the prime accused.
The case dates back to March 3, 2025, when Ranya Rao was caught red-handed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport. She was intercepted while attempting to illegally transport 14.2 kg of gold, valued at approximately 102 crore, from Dubai to Bengaluru. Investigations revealed that the actress had traveled to Dubai four times in just 15 days, which initially raised suspicions. It was later disclosed that she was allegedly working for a commission of 4-5 lakh per kilogram of smuggled gold.
The legal battle for her release was complicated by the fact that she was booked under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act. Under this stringent law, detainees are typically required to complete a mandatory one-year term before becoming eligible for bail. While her previous petitions were rejected by various courts, including the High Court, due to the severity of the crime, the completion of her one-year detention period paved the way for her current release. Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, is expected to be released from custody shortly.
