The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on the bail application filed by Kannada film actress Harshavardhini Ranya Rao, who has been arrested in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case involving assets worth ₹15.29 crore.
The bench of Justice S Vishwajith Shettyissued the notice and scheduled the next hearing for April 17, 2025, instructing the DRI to submit its objections to the bail plea by then.
Ranya Rao, who is currently in judicial custody, had earlier approached both the Magistrate and Sessions courts, but her bail applications were rejected. The present petition before the High Court represents her latest legal attempt for release pending trial.
The case against the actress emerged following a major seizure by authorities at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, where gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore were recovered from her possession. A subsequent raid at her residence led to the discovery of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.
She has been charged under multiple provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, specifically:
- Section 135(1)(a), 135(1)(b)
- Section 135(1)(a)(i)(a), 135(1)(a)(i)(b)
- Section 135(1)(b)(i)(a), 135(1)(b)(i)(b)
- As well as Sections 104(4)(a), 104(4)(b), 104(6)(a), and 104(6)(c)
These sections pertain to evasion of customs duty, smuggling, and offences involving significant commercial quantities of goods, which carry stringent penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines.
Interim Relief on Media Coverage
Meanwhile, the parents of the accused have also approached the High Court seeking relief from what they allege to be defamatory and false media coverage targeting their daughter and family.
In response, the Court has granted an interim order directing media outlets to refrain from publishing or broadcasting unverified or defamatory content relating to Harshavardhini Ranya Rao and her father K Ramchandra Rao, until further orders.
Case Details
Case Title: Harshavardhini Ranya versus Senior Intelligence Officer
Case No: Criminal Petition No 5047/2025
Read More: CBIC Rescinds Circular on Transshipment of Bangladeshi Export Cargo via India
