Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Fined ₹102.55 Crore in Gold Smuggling Case — Here’s Everything to Know

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has reportedly imposed a fine of ₹102.55 crore on Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, who was earlier sentenced to jail in connection with an illegal gold smuggling case. Along with Rao, three others have also been penalized in what officials described as one of the most meticulously planned smuggling operations in recent times.

According to ANI, officials stated that if Rao fails to pay the fine, her properties could be seized.

Actress Ranya Rao's Gold smuggling case | Actress Ranya Rao, who was sentenced to jail in an illegal gold smuggling case, has now received a notice from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to pay a fine of Rs 102.55 crore. She was arrested by the police for illegally…

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025

Gold Smuggling at Bengaluru Airport

Ranya Rao was arrested in March at Kempegowda International Airport for illegally transporting gold. Reports said the DRI confiscated 14.8 kg of gold from her possession. During the probe, it emerged that the actress had travelled to Dubai four times within a span of just 15 days, allegedly to smuggle gold into India.

How the Operation Worked

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), while explaining the network, stated that gold was procured from suppliers in Dubai, Uganda, and other jurisdictions, with payments reportedly routed through hawala channels in cash to bypass legal financial systems. Officials further alleged that false customs declarations were filed in Dubai, where shipments were declared as destined for Switzerland or the USA, even though the smugglers were actually traveling to India.

The ED also pointed out that dual sets of travel documents were prepared, one reflecting the declared export destinations and another showing the actual arrival in India, a method allegedly adopted to evade scrutiny and facilitate smooth smuggling through Indian airports.

Digital Evidence Against Rao

Investigators reportedly uncovered incriminating data linking Ranya Rao to the syndicate. The ED explained that forensic extraction of seized mobile phones and digital devices revealed detailed coordination with foreign gold suppliers, hawala operators, and Dubai-based customs agents.

According to the agency, her involvement was further corroborated by a strong digital trail, which included invoices, export declarations, foreign remittance records, and recorded chats that collectively pointed to her active role in generating, possessing, and circulating the proceeds of crime.

Penalty on Other Accused

Officials also confirmed that penalties were imposed on others allegedly part of the racket. Hotelier Tarun Kondaraju was fined ₹63 crore, while jewelers Sahil Sakaria Jain and Bharat Kumar were each fined ₹56 crore. According to ANI’s report, investigators claimed that Rao had played a central role in orchestrating the smuggling operation.

Massive Documentation

As reported by PTI, when the DRI team reached Bengaluru Central Jail, they served a voluminous notice to the accused. The notice consisted of a 250-page main report and 2,500 pages of annexures. A DRI source told the agency that preparing the notice was “a herculean exercise,” adding that the officials had served a total of 11,000 pages of documents to the accused in connection with the case.

Background and Legal Proceedings

Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of senior police officer K. Ramachandra Rao (Director General of Police rank), was sentenced in July to one year in prison under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA). The High Court has now taken up the COFEPOSA-related case and, according to PTI, scheduled the next hearing for September 11.