Ranya Rao likely to be released in gold case

Bengaluru: Kannada actor Ranya Rao is likely to walk out of custody as her one-year preventive detention under the COFEPOSA Act comes to an end, sources said.

Her release is expected either later today or by tomorrow, with her legal team completing the required surety formalities for regular bail.

Detention period ends, release likely

Ranya Rao had earlier been granted regular bail in the gold smuggling case. However, she remained in custody due to her preventive detention under COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act).

With the statutory one-year detention period now completed, authorities are no longer in a position to extend her custody under the same provisions, clearing the way for her release.

Rs 102 crore gold smuggling case

The actor is accused in a high-profile gold smuggling case involving an estimated Rs 102 crore. Investigators allege that over 127 kilograms of gold were smuggled into India through a well-organised network over the course of a year.

The smuggled gold was reportedly distributed in the domestic market through a chain of handlers and jewellers, making it one of the largest such rackets uncovered in recent times.

Role of enforcement agencies

The probe has been led by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, which uncovered what officials described as a sophisticated international smuggling network.

According to investigators, the syndicate used multiple carriers and coordinated channels to transport gold into the country and circulate it within local markets.

Arrest and legal proceedings

Ranya Rao and another accused were detained in April last year under COFEPOSA provisions. The preventive detention order was subsequently upheld by higher courts, including the Supreme Court of India, which declined to interfere, citing the seriousness of the allegations.

Despite the expected release, legal proceedings in the case will continue, and enforcement agencies are expected to pursue prosecution against all individuals linked to the alleged smuggling network.

Conclusion

While the end of the statutory detention period paves the way for Ranya Rao’s release, the case itself remains far from over. With investigations ongoing, the focus will now shift to trial proceedings and the broader crackdown on organised gold smuggling networks.