The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has imposed a penalty of ₹102 crore on Kannada actress Ranya Rao in connection with a large-scale gold smuggling case. Rao was arrested on March 3 after she attempted to bring 14.2 kilograms of gold from Dubai into the country through Kempegowda International Airport. The seizure was one of the largest in recent months, drawing attention from both the film industry and the business community in Karnataka.
Investigators allege that Rao coordinated the smuggling operation. Businessman Tarun Kondaraju and jewellers Sahil Sakharia Jain and Bharat Kumar Jain were also arrested for their alleged roles in facilitating the transport and handling the bullion’s sale. All four accused remain in custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
Notices Served Under Smuggling and Forex Laws
The DRI has served notices under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA). Officers from the agency’s Mumbai division delivered the notices in person at the prison, along with detailed documentation outlining the charges and evidence.
“The penalty was calculated by combining the market value of the confiscated gold with the customs duties that investigators say were evaded,” said an official. “This is only a financial penalty. The prosecution will continue in accordance with law,” the officer added.
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The case has gained widespread attention due to the alleged links with hawala operators and cross-border financial networks. Authorities suspect the racket could be connected to larger smuggling syndicates operating through southern India’s airports.
Legal experts note that conviction under COFEPOSA carries severe consequences, including long prison terms in addition to heavy financial penalties.
