Gold Dealer Arrested For 'Aiding' Kannada Actor Ranya Rao In 'Laundering Smuggled Gold'

The gold dealer Sahil Jain reportedly aided Ranya Rao in disposing of smuggled gold and sharing the profits from its sale.

The case first surfaced on March 3 when Ranya Rao was intercepted at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport upon returning from Dubai.

Source : Facebook

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested gold dealer Sahil Jain in the ongoing gold smuggling investigation involving Kannada actor Harshavardhini Ranya Rao. This marks the third high-profile arrest in the case, which has sent shockwaves through Karnataka's film and business circles.

Key Developments In Case

Sahil Jain, a native of Ballari, is accused of playing a key role in laundering the smuggled gold and facilitating the transfer of illegal proceeds. Officials believe his arrest could expose a wider network of smugglers operating across the region.

Reportedly, Sahil Jain has been accused of aiding Rao in disposing of smuggled gold and sharing the profits from its sale, as per a report on PTI.

Following intense questioning, Jain was presented before a magistrate late Wednesday night. The court has granted the DRI four days of custody, giving investigators until March 29 to dig deeper into his alleged involvement.

Karnataka | Gold dealer Sahil Jain, who allegedly helped actor Ranya Rao sell smuggled gold, has been sent to DRI custody till 29th March. Ranya Rao's bail application in the 64th CCH Session court, which was reserved, will be pronounced today.

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2025

 

How Smuggling Racket Unraveled

The case first surfaced on March 3 when Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior police officer K Ramachandra Rao, was intercepted at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport upon returning from Dubai. A thorough search revealed that she had concealed gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore using an elaborate smuggling method—wrapping them in belts around her waist and calves.

Subsequent raids at Ranya Rao’s residence uncovered additional gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash, further strengthening the case against her.

In a related development, hotelier Tarun Raju was also arrested for his alleged involvement in the operation, indicating that multiple individuals were part of a larger smuggling syndicate.