Actor Tarun Raju’s Bail Plea To Be Heard Today in Bengaluru Gold Smuggling Case
Key Highlights:
Bengaluru, April 2
The bail application of actor Tarun Raju will be heard today at the 64th CCH Sessions Court in Bengaluru, following his recent arrest by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case. The Telugu actor was taken into custody for his alleged involvement alongside actress Ranya Rao and businessman Sahil Jain.
Legal Representation and Court Details
Advocate Bipin Hegde will represent Tarun Raju during today’s hearing, while Advocate Madhu Rao will appear on behalf of the DRI as its legal counsel. The hearing is expected to draw significant attention due to the celebrity status of the accused and the scale of the gold seizure involved.
Ranya Rao Approaches High Court After Bail Rejection
Meanwhile, actress Ranya Rao, one of the primary accused in the case, has filed a fresh bail petition before the Karnataka High Court after the 64th CCH Court rejected her bail plea on March 27. Her lawyer, BS Girish, submitted the petition on Tuesday, and the matter is scheduled to be taken up next week.
Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport after she was allegedly found carrying undeclared gold. The DRI arrested her as part of a larger investigation into a cross-border smuggling network.
Sahil Jain to Be Produced Before Economic Offences Court
In a parallel proceeding, Sahil Jain, the third alleged accused in the case, will be produced before the Economic Offences Court today. He had been under judicial custody and is now being presented for further legal action.
The Smuggling Operation and CBI Involvement
Following Ranya Rao’s arrest, the DRI’s investigation widened, culminating in the arrest of two foreign nationals at Mumbai Airport on March 6, who were allegedly attempting to smuggle 21.28 kilograms of gold into India. The seized gold was valued at approximately Rs 18.92 crore, according to official reports.
Based on a complaint filed by Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of DRI, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR named multiple individuals, including Ranya Rao, and cited potential links to an international gold smuggling syndicate.
Charges and Allegations
While the DRI has not disclosed full details of the charges, sources suggest that the accused may face prosecution under:
- The Customs Act for illegal import of gold
- The Prevention of Corruption Act due to alleged collusion with officials
- Relevant provisions of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) concerning conspiracy and economic offences
Investigators believe the accused may have played roles as couriers and facilitators for a broader smuggling network that used air routes to illegally move precious metals into the country.
Public and Industry Reactions
The arrest of prominent film personalities like Tarun Raju and Ranya Rao has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. Both actors have worked in Telugu and Kannada cinema, and their involvement in a case of this magnitude has led to widespread media coverage and speculation.
Industry insiders have expressed concern over the growing number of celebrities being linked to financial crimes. While some have urged caution until the courts pronounce judgment, others have called for a deeper investigation into the links between entertainment figures and organized smuggling operations.
What’s Next?
- Tarun Raju’s bail plea will be considered by the CCH 64th Court today.
- Sahil Jain to appear before the Economic Offences Court.
- Karnataka High Court will take up Ranya Rao’s bail application next week.
The DRI is continuing its investigation, and more arrests could follow as it traces the origin and destination of the smuggled gold. Sources also suggest that the DRI is working closely with the CBI and international enforcement agencies.
The developments in the gold smuggling case involving Tarun Raju, Ranya Rao, and Sahil Jain are being closely watched by legal experts and the public alike. As the matter unfolds in courtrooms across Bengaluru, the spotlight remains on how India’s enforcement and judicial systems respond to high-profile economic crimes tied to celebrity figures.
Stay tuned for real-time updates on court decisions and investigation progress.
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