Bengaluru: In one of the biggest penalties in a smuggling case in Karnataka, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has imposed a fine of ₹102 crore on Kannada film actress Ranya Rao. She was arrested earlier this year for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold into the country.
Alongside Rao, hefty fines were also slapped on three others linked to the case – hotelier Tarun Kondaraju (₹63 crore) and jewellers Sahil Sakaria Jain and Bharat Kumar Jain (₹56 crore each).
Gold seized at Kempegowda International Airport
According to DRI sources, Ranya Rao was apprehended on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport upon her arrival from Dubai. Investigators seized 14.8 kg of gold concealed in her luggage.
The seizure was part of a larger operation tracking gold smuggling networks using high-profile carriers to move contraband through airports across India.
11,000 pages of evidence served to accused
On Tuesday, DRI officials visited Bengaluru Central Jail and served a comprehensive notice to all four accused.
“It was a herculean exercise to prepare a detailed notice along with supporting documents. Today, we served 11,000 pages of documents to the accused,” a DRI source told PTI.
Each accused received a 250-page primary notice accompanied by a 2,500-page annexure detailing evidence and procedural findings.
Links to senior police officer
Ranya Rao is the step-daughter of senior police officer K Ramachandra Rao, who holds the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).
The actress was sentenced to one year of imprisonment in July 2025 under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA).
Case pending before High Court
The matter came up for hearing before the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday and has been posted for further proceedings on September 11, 2025.
Legal experts suggest that the massive penalty imposed by the DRI indicates the scale of the alleged smuggling operation and could set a precedent for future cases involving high-value contraband.
Conclusion
The case has stirred significant public and industry debate, given the involvement of a popular actress and the record-breaking penalties imposed. Authorities are continuing to investigate potential wider links to international gold smuggling syndicates.