The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has issued Kannada film actress Ranya Rao and three others notices imposing a combined fine of Rs. 271 crore for allegedly smuggling 324 kg. of gold in separate batches from Dubai. She alone is alleged to have smuggled 127 kg. of gold and faces a fine of Rs. 102 crore.
Ranya was arrested in March this year and is currently in judicial custody in the Bangalore jail. She has challenged her arrest in the Karnataka high court.
Tarun K. Raju, described as a close associate of Ranya, was fined Rs. 63 crore for allegedly illegally bringing in 71 kg. of gold. Sahil Sakariya Jain and his relative, Bharat Jain, were fined Rs. 53 crore each for allegedly smuggling 63 kg. each.
According to the DRI notice, the gold was in the form of bars, classified as “prohibited” and attracting a 100% fine. Sources said, no time frame for payment was specified.