The Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) has used the COFEPOSA Act, 1974, against Kannada actress Ranya Rao. She was allegedly caught smuggling 14.8 kg gold at Bengaluru airport on March 3.
Sources said that the central agencies took this step after Ranya Rao and others in the case repeatedly tried to get bail. The other accused, Tarun Raju and Sahil Sakaria Jain, have also been charged under the COFEPOSA Act.
An order was issued on April 22, 2025, by Anupam Prakash, Joint Secretary of the COFEPOSA Wing at the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau. The order stated that the Act has been used against Ranya Rao
“with a view to preventing her from smuggling goods, engaging in transporting, concealing and keeping smuggled goods in future.”
After the COFEPOSA Act was applied, Ranya Rao will not be able to get bail for one year.
This law is used to prevent the accused from continuing smuggling activities if they are released on bail. It can also be applied if the accused is not cooperating with the investigation, according to sources.
Ranya Rao’s Bail Denied as Smuggling Links and Dubai Trips Revealed
In March, the anti-smuggling agency DRI told a court that Ranya Rao admitted the money used to buy the gold was sent through hawala channels.
The DRI also claimed that they have evidence showing Ranya Rao and her friend, Tarun Raju, made 26 trips to Dubai. They would leave in the morning and return by evening.
Ranya Rao’s request for bail has been rejected twice, once by a lower court and again by the Special Court for Economic Offences.
Ranya Rao Arrested with Gold Bars Hidden on Her Body
Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport after a detailed search. The officers found gold bars wrapped around her waist and legs with bandages and tissues. They also found more gold bars and pieces of gold in her shoes and front pockets.
Ranya Rao Faces Serious Charges
The gold recovered was 24 carats, weighing 14.2 kg, and worth over Rs 12.56 crore. Ranya Rao has been charged under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.
The Protocol Officer who helped Ranya Rao told investigators that he followed specific instructions from DGP Ramchandra Rao, who is Ranya’s stepfather. Ramchandra Rao was recently sent on compulsory leave following the controversy over the gold smuggling case.
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