Gold smuggling case: Ranya Rao, Tarun Raju smuggled over 31 Kg of gold says DRI; Court denies bail citing flight risk

In a recent development in the gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao and Telugu actor Tarun Konduru Raju, the Karnataka court has rejected Raju’s bail plea, citing his active role in the illegal operation and potential flight risk. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has alleged that the duo smuggled over 31 kilograms of gold into India, valued at Rs 12.56 crore, using a sophisticated modus operandi.
In March Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru for attempting to smuggle 14.2 kilograms of gold concealed on her body. Six days later, Tarun Konduru Raju, also known as Virat Konduru, was arrested after forensic analysis of Rao’s devices revealed his involvement. The DRI claims that Raju facilitated the smuggling operation by using his US citizenship to bypass customs checks in Dubai and by handling hawala transactions to fund the purchase of gold.

Investigators allege that both actors were part of an international gold smuggling syndicate that purchased gold in Dubai using funds routed through hawala channels. The smuggled gold was sold as jewelry in India with the help of a third accused, Sahil Sakariya Jain. The DRI also uncovered evidence of multiple one-day trips to Dubai by Rao and Raju, 25 such trips since January 2025, indicating a well-planned operation.
As per a report by Deccan Herald, during the bail hearing, the DRI presented voluntary statements from both accused, detailing their roles in smuggling and hawala transactions. The court noted that Raju’s travel history and use of his US passport to declare false destinations like Geneva and Bangkok were indicative of his criminal intentions. Despite Raju’s legal team arguing that no incriminating material was found on him and that he had cooperated with investigators, the court observed that he posed a flight risk.

The judge stated that granting bail would send a wrong signal to society, given the seriousness of the offense. "Community interest is involved in this case," the court remarked while denying bail.
The DRI has described this case as a "non-bailable offense," that it has an impact on national security and economic interests. Investigators are now probing deeper into the syndicate's operations, including financial links and international connections.