Popular Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been sentenced to one year in jail under the strict COFEPOSA Act after she was caught smuggling over 14 kilograms of gold through Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
Bail granted, but detention continues
Back in May, a city court granted default bail to Ranya and her co-accused Tarun Raju after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) failed to file a chargesheet within the legal time limit. The bail included a bond of ₹2 lakh and other surety conditions. However, despite the court’s order, both remained behind bars due to a preventive detention order under the COFEPOSA Act.
What is COFEPOSA and why was it used?
The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) allows authorities to detain individuals without formal charges for up to a year if they are suspected of smuggling or related activities. The Advisory Board overseeing the case ruled that Ranya Rao would not be eligible for bail during the entire detention period.
Suspicious behavior led to major bust
The incident took place in March when Ranya landed in Bengaluru from Dubai and tried to exit the airport through the green channel, which is meant for travelers carrying no dutiable goods. Her nervous body language drew the attention of DRI officials, who then asked female officers to conduct a thorough search.
To their surprise, they found 14.2 kg of concealed gold—valued at a massive ₹12.56 crore. She was immediately taken into custody.
What lies ahead for the actress?
Ranya Rao, who has appeared in multiple Kannada films, now faces a year in prison with no chance of bail under COFEPOSA. The case has shocked fans and raised concerns over the rising trend of celebrities being linked to smuggling operations.
