The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a plea challenging the detention of Kannada actress Ranya Rao under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) in connection with a gold smuggling case registered against her in March 2025 on Friday.
The decision was delivered by Justices Anu Sivaraman and Vijaykumar A Patil on a plea filed by Rao’s mother, HP Rohini, who contested the validity of her daughter’s detention under COFEPOSA.
The gold smuggling case against Ranya Rao was registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in March, after they allegedly seized 14.2 kg of gold worth approximately ₹12.86 crores from her at Bengaluru International Airport. It is reported that Rao used to carry gold concealed in her belt and jacket to evade customs inspections.
The dismissal of the plea marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Ranya Rao and the authorities, as she continues to deny any wrongdoing. The DRI has maintained its stance that Rao was involved in gold smuggling activities and has presented evidence to support their claims.
