DRI's Rs 102-Crore Penalty Notice To Actress Ranya Rao: How Gold Smuggling Case Has Expanded

Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 19:26 IST

Ranya smuggled 127 kg of gold, according to evidence gathered, says DRI

While Ranya Rao was initially caught with 14 kg of gold, the DRI's meticulous investigation has revealed a far more extensive operation. Representational image/X

The saga of Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao’s involvement in a major gold smuggling racket has taken a dramatic turn, with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) serving a show-cause notice demanding a staggering fine of Rs 102 crore. This development intensifies the legal troubles for the actress, who is already in judicial custody and has seen her assets worth Rs 37 crore seized by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

While Ranya Rao was initially caught with 14 kg of gold, the DRI’s meticulous investigation has revealed a far more extensive operation. Documentary evidence compiled by the agency indicates that the actress, through her multiple international trips, was a key player in the illegal smuggling of a colossal 127 kg of gold.

The notice, served under the Customs Act, marks a critical step for the DRI Bengaluru, which has built a watertight case and is now moving to recover a penalty of 100% of the smuggled goods’ value, as mandated by law. The DRI can also seek confiscation of the already seized assets.

The crackdown extends beyond the actress, exposing a complex network of individuals involved in the multi-crore illicit trade. The DRI has also issued show-cause notices to three other accused. Tharun Raju, accused no. 2 in the case, is alleged to have smuggled 71.6 kg of gold and faces a penalty of Rs 62 crore. The other accused, Bharat Jain and Shahil Jain, each implicated in the smuggling of around 63 kg of gold, have been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 53 crore each.

The serving of the notices on Tuesday through the jailer brings a new chapter to this unfolding investigation, as the accused now face the full financial consequences of their alleged crimes.

The officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Bengaluru, along with senior standing counsel Madhu Rao, have already managed to ensure Ranya Rao is behind bars under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act, 1974, and none of the other accused have managed to get bail more than six months after the scam came to light.

Harish Upadhya

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...Read More

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi...

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September 02, 2025, 19:22 IST

News india DRI's Rs 102-Crore Penalty Notice To Actress Ranya Rao: How Gold Smuggling Case Has Expanded

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