Actor Ranya Rao fined Rs 102 crore in gold smuggling case

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Tuesday fined Kannada actor Ranya Rao Rs 102.55 crore in connection with the high-profile gold smuggling case. The agency issued show-cause notices to actor Ranya Rao and three others in the case.

On March 3, the agency seized 127.3 kg of smuggled gold and arrested Ranya.

Notices were served inside the jail to Rao and others, with officials warning that properties of the accused could be attached if the dues are not cleared.

The case involves multiple accused. Tarun Konduru Raju has been found guilty of smuggling 72.6 kg of gold and



faces a Rs 62 crore penalty. Sahil Jain and Bharat Jain, both held responsible for smuggling 63.61 kg each, have been ordered to pay Rs 53 crore each.

The DRI has backed its show-cause notices with over 2,500 pages of documents and initiated proceedings under various sections of the Customs Act. Officials indicated that prosecution will follow soon.

Meanwhile, the COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act) petition linked to the case was heard in the High Court today and adjourned to September 11. The DRI has said investigations are being fast-tracked to ensure recovery.