The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has filed a petition with a special magistrate’s court in Bengaluru, requesting approval to interrogate actress Ranya Rao (also known as Harshavardini Ranya), aged 33, who has been in judicial detention since her arrest on March 3 at the Bengaluru International Airport for her involvement in gold smuggling.

The agency aims to investigate further about a gold trade venture that Ranya reportedly launched in Dubai, as revealed by her associate, actor Virat Konduru (also known as Tarun Konduru), who was apprehended on March 9. The DRI’s inquiry includes exploring the alleged sale of contraband gold to hawala operator Sahil Jain. Ranya was detained after arriving from Dubai with 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore, concealed on her body.

The DRI’s request for questioning relates to a business partnership between Ranya and Konduru in Dubai under the company Vira Diamonds Trading LLC, which was involved in gold purchases. The agency also seeks clarification about 49.6 kg of smuggled gold, allegedly distributed to Jain between November 2024 and February 2025, valued at ₹40 crore.

The court is set to hear arguments on April 21 regarding the DRI’s request. Meanwhile, Ranya and Konduru have filed for bail, and the DRI is expected to submit its counter-arguments by the same date. Ranya’s legal team has raised concerns regarding the conduct of her search and the process of her arrest.