Actress Ranya Rao admits to using hawala for gold smuggling

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a high-ranking police officer, has been at the center of a high-profile gold smuggling case. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has revealed that Rao confessed to using hawala channels to purchase the gold.

As per a TOI report, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Madhu Rao who told the court, "Money has been sent to Ranya Rao through hawala, she has confessed that."

Ranya Rao's bail plea has been rejected twice, first by a lower court and then by the Special Court for Economic Offences. Her latest bail plea was heard in a sessions court, where the DRI presented evidence indicating her direct involvement in the illicit transfer of funds.

The prosecution highlighted that Rao admitted to using hawala channels for purchasing the gold. This confession strengthens the case against her and suggests a deeper involvement in the smuggling operation. Hawala transactions involve transferring money through unofficial channels, often used in illegal activities to avoid detection.

The court has reserved its decision on the bail plea until March 27, following detailed arguments from both the defense and prosecution.

Rao's arrest was followed by a search of her residence, where authorities seized gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. The DRI has been investigating the case, focusing on the financial irregularities and potential legal violations involved. As part of the investigation, a judicial inquiry has been initiated under Section 108 of the Customs Act to scrutinize the extent of the illegal transactions.

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of DGP-ranked officer K Ramachandra Rao, who has been sent on compulsory leave by the Karnataka government. An investigation is underway to determine if he was involved in the smuggling operation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also launched a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), raiding several locations in Bengaluru as part of its investigation.

Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3, 2025, at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport with 14.8 kg of gold, valued at approximately Rs 12.56 crore.