The Karnataka High Court on Friday declined to interfere with the preventive detention of Kannada film actress Ranya Rao under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA), in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case registered earlier this year.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice Vijaykumar A. Patil pronounced the order while dismissing a petition filed by Rao’s mother, H.P. Rohini. The plea had challenged the legality and validity of the detention order passed against the actress under COFEPOSA, contending that it was unjustified and violative of her fundamental rights.
The court, however, found no merit in the arguments advanced on behalf of the petitioner and upheld the detention, noting that the preventive action was taken in accordance with law to curb alleged smuggling activities.
Background of the Case
Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3, 2025, at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. According to the DRI, she was intercepted upon arrival and found to be carrying 14.2 kilograms of gold, estimated to be worth approximately ₹12.86 crore.
Investigators alleged that Rao had concealed the gold on her person, reportedly using a specially designed belt and jacket to bypass scrutiny by customs officials. The agency further claimed that she misused the airport’s VVIP exit route to evade regular checks, a factor that became central to the investigation.
Searches and Further Seizures
Following her arrest, DRI officials conducted searches at Rao’s residence, during which they allegedly recovered jewellery valued at ₹2.06 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore. With these recoveries, the total value of seizures in the case reportedly rose to around ₹17.29 crore.
The case attracted widespread public and media attention, with reports focusing on Rao’s frequent international travel, particularly to Dubai, and the alleged exploitation of privileged airport exit routes to facilitate smuggling.
Bail and Continued Detention
In May 2025, a special court designated to try economic offences in Karnataka granted Rao default bail. The relief was extended after the DRI failed to file a chargesheet within the mandatory statutory period of 60 days.
Despite securing default bail in the criminal proceedings, Rao continued to remain in custody as she was simultaneously detained under COFEPOSA. The preventive detention law empowers authorities to detain individuals to prevent them from engaging in activities such as smuggling and foreign exchange violations, independent of the outcome of criminal trials.
High Court’s Decision
By dismissing the challenge to the COFEPOSA detention, the High Court effectively endorsed the government’s position that preventive detention was necessary in the present case to curb alleged smuggling activities. With this ruling, Ranya Rao will continue to remain in custody under the preventive detention framework, even as the substantive criminal case progresses separately.
The judgment underscores the wide powers available to enforcement agencies under preventive detention laws in cases involving alleged economic offences and smuggling, particularly where authorities apprehend the likelihood of continued unlawful activity.
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