The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has formally issued show-cause notices to actor Ranya Rao, along with three other individuals, in connection with a major gold smuggling racket. The penalties in this case are staggering, collectively exceeding Rs 270 crore, after authorities confirmed that more than 127 kilograms of gold had been illegally brought into the country. With the investigation advancing quickly, the agency has also signaled that prosecution proceedings will begin in the near future.
The case gained significant attention on March 3, when the DRI seized 127.3 kilograms of smuggled gold and arrested actor Ranya Rao. After completing adjudication, the authorities have directed her to pay a penalty amounting to Rs 102.55 crore. In a notable development, the notices were delivered to her inside prison, and officials have already warned that her assets and properties may be attached if the massive financial penalties remain unpaid.
The investigation has implicated several other individuals apart from the actor. Among them, Tarun Konduru Raju has been found guilty of smuggling 72.6 kilograms of gold and has been ordered to pay Rs 62 crore in penalties. Similarly, Sahil Jain and Bharat Jain, both accused of smuggling 63.61 kilograms each, have each been fined Rs 53 crore. Collectively, these penalties highlight the large-scale nature of the smuggling network.
To support its show-cause notices, the DRI has compiled and submitted more than 2,500 pages of documentary evidence. Legal proceedings have been initiated under several provisions of the Customs Act, making it clear that the agency is building a strong prosecution case. Officials have also emphasized that the next step will be launching criminal proceedings against those involved.
In parallel to these actions, the COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act) petition related to this case was brought before the High Court today. The matter, however, has been adjourned until September 11. The DRI has further assured that the ongoing investigation is being accelerated to ensure speedy recovery and justice in this high-stakes smuggling scandal.
