A Kannada film actor accused in a large-scale gold smuggling case is expected to be released from custody this week after completing a one-year preventive detention under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (Cofeposa) Act.
Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardhini Ranya, was arrested in March 2025 and placed under preventive detention on April 22 that year.
The detention period has now concluded, and enforcement agencies cannot extend custody under the same provisions, officials said.
“Despite securing bail months ago, she remained in custody due to the Cofeposa order,” an officer said.
Rao, the stepdaughter of Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, has been accused of involvement in a gold smuggling operation valued at more than ₹102 crore.
Investigators allege that over 100 kilograms of gold was smuggled from Dubai to Bengaluru between 2024 and 2025.
Two associates are also expected to be released along with her following the completion of their detention periods, officials said.
