In a significant development in the high-profile gold smuggling case, the Karnataka High Court has dismissed the bail petitions filed by Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya Rao and co-accused Tarun Konduru Raju. Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty pronounced the order, stating, "Petitions dismissed," with a detailed judgment expected to follow.
The case centers around the seizure of 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars, valued at ₹12.56 crore, from Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on March 3. Subsequent searches at her residence led to the discovery of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore. Both Rao and Raju have been charged under various sections of the Customs Act, including sections 135(1)(a), 135(1)(b), and 104, for offenses related to smuggling and evasion of duty.
During the bail hearings, Senior Advocate Sandesh Chouta, representing Rao, contended that the search and seizure operations conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) violated provisions of the Customs Act. He argued that the mandatory requirement under Section 102, which stipulates that a person to be searched must be taken before a gazetted officer or magistrate, was not adhered to. Chouta also highlighted discrepancies in the mahazar (seizure memo) and the notices issued to Rao, asserting that the grounds of arrest were not communicated in writing to her family, as mandated.
The DRI opposed the bail applications, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and potential national security implications. They highlighted Rao's frequent travels to Dubai—27 times in the past six months—and alleged misuse of VIP protocols at the airport to bypass security checks. The agency also pointed to the involvement of other individuals, including hotelier Tarun Raju, who has been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days.
Ranya Rao's legal team argued for bail on the grounds that the offense is compoundable and punishable with less than seven years of imprisonment. They also cited her status as a woman and the fact that she has been in custody for over 49 days. However, the court remained unconvinced, especially in light of the DRI's assertion that the case has international links and involves hawala transactions, making it a matter of national security.
The case has attracted significant media attention, prompting the Karnataka High Court to issue directives to the central government to restrain media outlets from broadcasting or publishing false and defamatory content against Rao and her father, a senior IPS officer. The court emphasized the need for responsible reporting, especially in high-profile cases, and indicated the possibility of laying down guidelines for media coverage in such matters.
As the investigation continues, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are also looking into the case, examining potential links to international smuggling networks and financial transactions. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for April 8, where further developments are expected.
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