Kannada film actress Ranya Rao is set to remain behind bars for a longer period after a major legal setback in the gold smuggling case against her. The actor has been lodged at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara
jail since March 3, 2025, following her arrest by Customs officials at the Kempegowda International Airport.
Ranya was taken into custody after authorities allegedly found 14 kilograms of gold concealed inside her clothing, triggering a high-profile investigation into an organised smuggling network.
COFEPOSA Charges Upheld By Court
In a significant development, the court has upheld the application of the COFEPOSA Act (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act) against Ranya Rao, effectively ensuring that she will not be granted relief anytime soon.
The stringent law allows for preventive detention in cases linked to smuggling and economic offences, and its invocation marks a serious escalation in the case.
Arrest Of Co-Accused In Gold Smuggling Network
Following Ranya Rao’s arrest, investigators also detained her alleged partners Tarun Konduru Raju and Sahil Jain, who are believed to have played key roles in the smuggling operation. The arrests strengthened the prosecution’s case, with authorities maintaining that the trio was part of a coordinated racket.
Families Challenge Detention, Court Rejects Plea
After multiple bail pleas were rejected by lower courts, the mothers of the three accused moved court to challenge the Union Government’s decision to invoke the COFEPOSA Act.
Ranya’s mother Rohini Rao, along with Rama Raju (mother of Tarun) and Priyanka Sarkaria (mother of Sahil), filed petitions seeking to declare the preventive detention illegal and to dismiss the case against their children.
However, the court was not convinced by the arguments presented.
Supreme Court Allows Investigation To Continue
A Supreme Court Division Bench headed by Justice Anu Shivaraman dismissed the petitions, refusing to interfere with the Union Government’s decision. The bench directed all investigating agencies to continue their probe without obstruction, reinforcing the seriousness of the charges.
With the COFEPOSA booking now firmly in place and no immediate legal relief in sight, Ranya Rao’s incarceration is expected to continue as the investigation progresses.
