Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: Court sends accused Sahil Jain to 14-day judicial custody

The Special Court for Economic Offences on Wednesday sent Sahil Jain, the third accused in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, to a 14-day judicial custody. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) presented him before the court after his custody period ended.

Meanwhile, actor Ranya Rao has approached the Karnataka High Court for bail. This comes days after a sessions court in Bengaluru rejected her earlier plea. Her lawyer, BS Girish, submitted the petition, which the High Court will consider next week.

Court Rejected Bail Plea Earlier

On 27 March, the 64th CCH Sessions Court in Bengaluru rejected Ranya Rao’s bail application in connection with the gold smuggling case. The actor was arrested on 3 March at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport after DRI officials found her carrying gold.


Following her arrest, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed an FIR based on a complaint by Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of DRI. The FIR was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS).

Foreign Nationals Also Arrested

According to the complaint, two foreign nationals were arrested at Mumbai Airport on 6 March for attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold into India. The gold was valued at Rs. 18.92 crore. The complaint noted that Ranya Rao had travelled to Dubai multiple times, while the two foreign nationals had also visited Mumbai Airport several times before their arrest.

Possible Smuggling Syndicate

The Additional Director of DRI mentioned in his complaint that cases involving passengers making frequent trips from Dubai and attempting to smuggle large amounts of gold indicate a “possible nexus” with a coordinated smuggling syndicate. The complaint suggests this syndicate may be operating from Dubai (UAE).

The complaint also raised suspicions of possible involvement of public servants and other individuals in the smuggling operation.

Inputs from ANI