Court Reserves Decision on Ranya Rao's Bail in High-Profile Gold Smuggling Case

Bengaluru's Special Court for Economic Offences has reserved its decision on Kannada actress Ranya Rao's bail plea. Rao faces serious allegations tied to a gold smuggling case, while her defense argues against legal procedural lapses during her arrest. The court's judgment is expected on March 14.

A Bengaluru Special Court for Economic Offences has reserved its decision on Kannada actress Ranya Rao's bail plea, with a judgment expected on March 14. Rao was arrested in connection to a serious gold smuggling charge.

During the bail hearing, Senior Advocate Kiran Javali, representing Rao, highlighted alleged procedural lapses by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) during her arrest. He argued that the arrest memo failed to state explicit grounds for arrest, as required by the Supreme Court's guidelines in the DK Basu case, hence meriting bail.

However, the DRI countered by stressing the gravity of the allegations, warning that granting bail may impede the investigation. Meanwhile, Rao has claimed mistreatment, with accusations of verbal abuse during detention and coerced document signing, which the DRI denies. The case, involving gold worth Rs 12.56 crore seized at Kempegowda International Airport, remains under scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)