Karnataka HC Defers Ranya Rao’s Bail Plea Hearing Until April 17

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday has postponed the hearing of actor Ranya Rao’s bail petition in the gold smuggling case until April 17, instructing the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to file its response before the next date.

Bail Petition Shifted To High Court

Ranya Rao moved the High Court after her initial bail plea was denied by a Bengaluru sessions court on March 27. Her lawyer, BS Girish, submitted the application on April 1, seeking relief for the actress in connection with her arrest under gold smuggling charges.

On April 2, Sahil Jain, another key accused in the case, was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by the Special Court for Economic Offenses. His remand followed the end of his interrogation period with the DRI, which presented him before the court.

Arrest At Airport Triggers Wider Investigation

Ranya Rao was taken into custody on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport, where she was allegedly found in possession of undeclared gold. Her arrest has since led to a broader investigation involving suspected international smuggling links.

Following her arrest, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a formal First Information Report (FIR), acting on a complaint by Abhishek Chandra Gupta, the Additional Director of the DRI. The FIR invokes charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Smuggling Syndicate

According to the DRI’s complaint, two foreign nationals were caught at Mumbai Airport on March 6, just three days after Rao’s arrest, while allegedly attempting to smuggle 21.28 kilograms of gold worth Rs. 18.92 crore into the country. Investigations revealed that both the foreign nationals and Rao had traveled frequently to Dubai, pointing to a potential organized smuggling ring.

“These cases involving repeated travel between Dubai and India point to a possible nexus with a coordinated smuggling syndicate,” Gupta stated in the complaint.

Involvement Of Public Officials

The complaint also raises the possibility of involvement by public servants and other individuals, suggesting a deeper network behind the operation. The FIR indicates the DRI is probing whether Rao and her co-accused were acting as part of a larger gold smuggling enterprise based abroad.

The case is set to continue as the High Court reviews the objections and prepares for the bail plea hearing later this month.

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