Customs Slaps Rs 89 Crore Fine on Actor Ranya Rao in Gold Smuggling Case

The Customs Department in Bengaluru has imposed a penalty of Rs 89 crore on actor Ranya Rao in connection with an alleged gold-smuggling case. The action follows a 399-page investigation report and an order issued by Customs Joint Commissioner Sandeep, directing Rao to pay the penalty.

According to the department, Rao, her associate Tarun, and three other individuals were allegedly involved in smuggling 113 kg of gold from abroad between March 7, 2024, and February 18, 2025.

The case originally came to light after Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials arrested Rao at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, 2025. During that interception, authorities allegedly recovered 14 kg of gold from her possession.

A case was subsequently registered under the COFEPOSA Act against the actor. Rao was later granted bail by the Special Court for Economic Offences in February 2026.

Reacting to the Customs order in Bengaluru on Thursday, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that he was awaiting complete details of the case before offering further comment on the development.