BENGALURU, 25 APRIL

In a significant development in a high-profile gold smuggling case, Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao and her two alleged accomplices, Tarun Koduru Raju and Sahil Sakariya Jain, are to be placed under preventive detention for up to one year under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA).

This action follows revelations by investigative agencies of Ranya Rao's involvement in smuggling approximately 100 kilograms of gold into India from overseas. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has submitted a proposal to the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB), the nodal agency empowered to invoke COFEPOSA.

Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardhini, was intercepted at the airport on 3 March, with officials seizing 14.8 kilograms of gold valued at around Rs 12.56 crore concealed in her luggage. Further investigations revealed she had made 30 trips to Dubai over the past year, raising suspicions of her involvement in an international smuggling network.

The actress, along with her accomplices, is expected to be held at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru. Authorities have justified the application of COFEPOSA, citing concerns that the accused could resume smuggling operations and evade justice if released on bail. Ongoing investigations are expected to provide more information in due course.