NEW DELHI: A special court in Bengaluru on Wednesday denied the bail application of Telugu actor Tarun Konduru Raju, who was arrested on March 10 in connection with a gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao.
The Economic Offences Court rejected the bail plea of Tarun Raju, who is the second accused in the case. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had opposed his bail, arguing that he might attempt to flee the country if released. The agency also pointed out that Raju had allegedly tried to leave the country after Ranya Rao’s arrest, leading to a lookout circular being issued against him.
Authorities allege that Raju played a crucial role in facilitating the smuggling operation by managing the logistics of gold transportation and distribution within India.
Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Authorities seized 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from her possession. She is the stepdaughter of Karnataka IPS officer DGP K Ramachandra Rao.