Bengaluru, Feb 25 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet regarding the gold smuggling case against Kannada actress Harshavardini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, along with several others before a special court dedicated to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Bengaluru, according to an agency announcement made on Wednesday.

The Headquarters Investigation Unit-II (HIU-II), based in New Delhi, has lodged a Prosecution Complaint (charge sheet) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, before the Special Court for PMLA Cases at Bengaluru against Harshavardini Ranya, Tarun Konduru, and Sahil Sakariya Jain in relation to a significant gold smuggling and money laundering scheme.

The inquiry has uncovered a systematic and organized network that includes the acquisition of gold from overseas, illegal entry into India, cash-based sales, and subsequent laundering of the proceeds via hawala and banking systems. Such activities not only disrupt the legitimate trade and financial systems but also damage public confidence in institutions responsible for overseeing international transactions.

The ED's investigation under PMLA has shown that a total of 127.287 kg of gold, estimated to be worth around Rs 102.55 crore, was smuggled into India between March 2024 and March 2025. The illicit gold was disposed of domestically through a network of intermediaries and jewelers, with sales generating cash proceeds that were settled through hawala channels both in India and abroad. These funds were subsequently layered and funneled through various bank accounts and entities to disguise them as legitimate business activities.

Search operations were conducted on May 21 and 22, 2025, under Section 17 of PMLA at 16 locations across Karnataka, resulting in the seizure of incriminating documents, digital devices, and both Indian and foreign currencies. Statements from several individuals were recorded under Section 50 of PMLA during the investigation.

As part of the ongoing investigation, properties valued at Rs 34.12 crore that are held under the name of Harshavardini Ranya have been provisionally attached under Section 5(1) of PMLA, 2002.

The ED commenced its investigation based on an FIR filed by the CBI in New Delhi, which pertains to the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, stemming from a complaint by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

This FIR concerns the seizure of 14.213 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs 12.56 crore from Harshavardini Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, on March 3, 2025. Subsequent searches resulted in the recovery of gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.

In addition, the DRI has also filed a Prosecution Complaint under Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962 related to this matter.

The Prosecution Complaint addresses the crime of money laundering as defined under Section 3, punishable under Section 4 of PMLA, 2002. Further investigations are currently underway.

Ranya Rao is presently incarcerated at the Bengaluru Central Prison.

Additionally, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, the stepfather of Ranya Rao, was suspended following a video that emerged in January showing him engaging in inappropriate behavior with a woman at his office amidst allegations of misconduct.