Ranya Rao fined Rs 89 crore in gold smuggling case

The Customs Department has imposed a penalty of approximately Rs 89.91 crore on Kannada actress Ranya Rao in connection with an alleged gold-smuggling operation from Dubai to India. The fine is part of a 399-page adjudication order following an investigation into a network involving Rao and three other individuals.

The case originated on March 3, 2025, when Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials intercepted Rao at Kempegowda International Airport. Authorities allegedly found 14.213 kg of foreign-origin gold worth roughly Rs 12.56 crore in her possession. A subsequent search of her residence reportedly uncovered gold jewellery and unaccounted cash. Investigations suggest that between March 2024 and February 2025, the group allegedly smuggled approximately 113 kg of gold.

In addition to Rao, three associates—Tarun Konduru Raju, Sahil Jain, and Bharat Kumar Jain—have been fined. Raju faces a penalty of Rs 49.51 crore, while Jain and Bharat Kumar Jain have each been fined Rs 53.06 crore. The total penalties for the four accused exceed Rs 244 crore.