The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties worth 34.12 crore in connection with a major gold smuggling and money laundering case. This case involves actress Harshavardini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, along with her alleged partners in crime.
Properties Seized Across Karnataka
According to the ED, the attached properties are located in Bengaluru and Tumkur districts of Karnataka. The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Officials say the seized properties represent the value of illegal funds that could not be directly recovered. These assets were linked to illegal earnings from smuggling and were attached to stop any attempt to hide or sell them.
Uncovering the Smuggling Network
The case began with a First Information Report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), based on a complaint by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The investigation started after two foreign nationals were caught at Mumbai airport with over 21 kg of gold, valued at 18.92 crore.
Just days before, on March 3, 2025, Ranya Rao was caught at the Bengaluru airport with over 14 kg of gold hidden in her luggage, worth around 12.56 crore. A search of her home later revealed 2.67 crore in cash and gold jewelry worth 2.06 crore.
Hawala Payments and Fake Declarations
The ED found that gold was smuggled into India from Dubai, Uganda, and other places using false customs paperwork. Payments were made through hawala networks, avoiding regular banking channels. To cover their tracks, two sets of travel documents were used — one fake and one real.
More Arrests Likely
Ranya Rao has denied any involvement, but digital evidence, including chats and financial documents, reportedly link her directly to the operation. The total illegal money traced so far is estimated at 55.62 crore. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are looking into the role of other people, including possible help from airport staff or public servants.
