Court Denies Bail Request of Tarun Raju, Associate of Ranya Rao in Gold Smuggling Case
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Synopsis
On March 19, the Special Court in Bengaluru denied bail to Tarun Raju, a close associate of actress Ranya Rao, in a gold smuggling case. Raju's travel patterns raised concerns about potential flight risks, while investigations revealed connections to international smuggling networks.
Key Takeaways
- Tarun Raju's bail plea was rejected.
- Ranya Rao's connections to gold smuggling were highlighted.
- Investigations suggest possible international links.
- Raju attempted to escape prior to his arrest.
- Forensic evidence revealed connections between accused.
Bengaluru, March 19 (NationPress) The Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru has rejected the bail application of Tarun Raju, the second accused and a close associate of imprisoned actress Ranya Rao, in connection with the gold smuggling investigation on Wednesday.
Justice Vishwanath C. Goudar reserved the ruling following discussions from both parties. Currently, Tarun Raju remains incarcerated at the Central Prison in Bengaluru. He is the grandson of a prominent hotelier situated on Kumara Park East Road in Bengaluru.
Simultaneously, the bail application for actress Ranya Rao was reviewed at the 64th City Civil and Sessions Court, where the court instructed the prosecution to submit its objections by March 21.
Previously, Counsel Madhu Rao, representing the DRI at the Special Economic Offences Court, asserted that Tarun and Ranya had traveled to Dubai together approximately 26 times, leaving in the morning and returning by evening. Given this pattern, there is a significant concern that the accused could attempt to flee the country at any moment. The attorney argued that Tarun was allegedly planning an overseas trip.
Tarun's travel from Dubai to Hyderabad was arranged with a ticket booked by Ranya Rao. Furthermore, Tarun reportedly gave gold to Ranya while in Dubai, Counsel Madhu Rao highlighted.
He also mentioned, “A Lookout Circular was issued for Tarun to facilitate questioning. He attempted to escape on March 8 but, finding no viable options, traveled from Hyderabad to Bengaluru instead.”
“Investigations revealed that Tarun is a US citizen. Why did he claim to be en route to Geneva when he actually went to Hyderabad and then Bengaluru? If Geneva was his true destination, what was the reason for the detour?” the DRI counsel questioned.
Post the arrest of Ranya Rao, a forensic examination was performed on the evidence collected from her, unveiling her ties to Tarun, the second accused, Counsel Madhu Rao asserted.
Payments for gold acquisition in Dubai have been made, necessitating further investigation. The international connections within the smuggling network require additional scrutiny, justifying the arrest of the accused.
Senior counsel Devaraju, representing Tarun Raju, argued that as per the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Tarun does not own the gold and was not responsible for its transportation. According to Section 137, Subclause 3 of the Customs Act, possession of the goods is a prerequisite for such charges.
Nonetheless, this arrest appears to stem from media sensationalism, the defense claimed.
Additionally, the counsel noted that apart from the allegations made by the first accused, there are no further charges against Tarun. Ranya Rao and Tarun co-founded the Vira Diamonds Company, but in December 2024, Tarun was removed from the firm.
Actress Ranya Rao faces allegations of gold smuggling and misusing her father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao,'s name to bypass security checks by utilizing protocols reserved for high-ranking officials.
The DRI apprehended Ranya Rao after seizing 14.8 kg of gold at the Bengaluru International Airport.
The agency also confiscated gold worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore from her upscale flat on Lavelle Road, where she reportedly pays Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.
On March 15, the Karnataka government placed DGP K. Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave, effective immediately and until further notice, in relation to the gold smuggling investigation.
