Gold Smuggling Case: Sahil Jain Arrested In Connection With Actress Ranya Rao’s Smuggling Racket

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested Sahil Jain, the third accused in the high-profile gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao. Jain was taken into custody last night and has been remanded to DRI custody until Saturday.

Who is Sahil Jain?

Sahil Jain hails from Ballari, Karnataka, and belongs to a well-established business family known for its clothing enterprise. His father, Mahendra Jain, along with other family members, has been managing the business for years. Although their roots are in Ballari, they have recently relocated to Bengaluru. At the time of his alleged involvement in the smuggling case, Jain was residing in Mumbai with his maternal uncle.

This is not Jain’s first encounter with law enforcement. He was previously arrested in Mumbai for orchestrating a gold smuggling operation. Authorities intercepted a passenger traveling from Kolkata with 6.9 kg of gold meant for delivery to Jain. Investigations revealed that over a span of ten months, Jain allegedly facilitated the smuggling of approximately 180 kg of gold, worth around Rs 66 crore.

Sahil Jain’s Role in the Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case

The DRI has accused Jain of aiding the smuggling of 14.568 kg of gold, which was illegally brought into the country on January 11, 2025, by actress Ranya Rao. The confiscated gold is valued at Rs 11.55 crore, with an estimated customs duty loss of Rs 4.46 crore.

According to DRI officials, Jain was preparing to dispose of 14.2 kg of gold seized from Rao on March 3. The investigation suggests that Jain played a crucial role in distributing the smuggled gold by leveraging his network of gold traders.

How Ranya Rao Was Caught

On March 3, 2025, actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. A thorough personal search revealed gold bars hidden around her waist and calves, wrapped with bandages and tissues. Additional gold bars and cut pieces were discovered in her shoes and pockets.

During interrogation, Rao confessed that the funds used to purchase the gold were routed through hawala channels, confirming the involvement of a larger smuggling syndicate.

Karnataka DGP’s Alleged Involvement

Adding to the controversy, Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP Ramachandra Rao), who is also Ranya Rao’s stepfather, was allegedly involved in facilitating her movements at the airport. A protocol officer assisting Ranya claimed that the DGP had specifically instructed him to provide her with assistance. Following these allegations, DGP Ramachandra Rao was placed on compulsory leave.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

With Jain’s arrest, the DRI is intensifying its investigation to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network. Authorities are tracking financial transactions linked to hawala operations and examining Jain’s connections with established gold traders. More arrests are expected as officials unravel the smuggling syndicate.

Read More: CBIC Amends Import Policy of Channa: Exempts Social Welfare Surcharge and AIDC