- Friday, March 14, 2025
The second accused in the case, Tarun Raju, has been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days as probe continues
By: India Weekly
A SPECIAL Court of Economic Offences in Bengaluru on Friday rejected the bail plea of Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya alias Ranya Rao, who was recently arrested for gold smuggling.
The second accused in the case, Tarun Konduru Raju (30), has been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days as the investigation continues.
Ranya, stepdaughter of DGP rank officer K Ramachandra Rao, is currently lodged in a jail in Bengaluru.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized gold bars worth ₹125.6 million (£1.11m) from Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport when she arrived here from Dubai on March 3.
Subsequent searches conducted by DRI at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery.
It was alleged that she used to take the VIP route in the airport to evade inspection.
During interrogation, authorities discovered that Tarun Raju was involved in facilitating the smuggling operation, allegedly coordinating the gold’s transport and distribution within India.
Data extracted from a mobile phone and laptop seized from the actress revealed Raju’s links to the smuggling racket, the DRI has indicated in court filings.
Both were taken into custody and booked under relevant sections of the Customs Act and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.
Raju is the grandson of a prominent businessman, with roots in Andhra Pradesh, who has diverse business interests in hospitality, energy, cable TV and education sectors. (PTI)
