Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Hit with ₹102 Crore Fine in Massive Gold Smuggling Bust

Bengaluru: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has levied a hefty ₹102 crore penalty on Kannada actress Ranya Rao for her alleged involvement in a major gold smuggling operation exposed earlier this year, as reported by Hindustan Times.

On March 3, Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport after attempting to smuggle 14.2 kilograms of gold from Dubai, marking one of the largest seizures in recent months. The incident sent ripples through Karnataka’s film and business communities.

Authorities claim Rao masterminded the smuggling effort, working with three others: businessman Tarun Kondaraju, accused of arranging the gold’s transport, and jewellers Sahil Sakharia Jain and Bharat Kumar Jain, who allegedly sold the bullion and funneled profits through hawala networks. All four are currently held at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.

On Tuesday, DRI officials from the Mumbai division served notices to the accused under the Foreign Exchange Regulation and the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA). The notices, delivered in person at the prison, were accompanied by comprehensive documentation detailing the charges and evidence.

A DRI official stated, “The ₹102 crore fine accounts for the market value of the seized gold and the evaded customs duties.” The official emphasized that the penalty is separate from ongoing criminal proceedings, adding, “This is purely a financial penalty. The legal prosecution will continue as per the law.”

The case has drawn intense scrutiny, not only due to Rao’s prominence but also because of suspected connections to hawala operators and broader smuggling networks operating through southern India’s airports. Legal experts highlight that a conviction under COFEPOSA could lead to lengthy imprisonment alongside substantial fines, according to Hindustan Times reports.