Despite bail, kept in custody, Ranya Rao’s mother knocked on the door of the High Court

The mother of Kannada actress Ranya Rao has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the validity of her daughter’s custody in the case of gold smuggling. Ranya Rao was granted bail by the Special Court for economic crimes on 20 May, but she will remain in custody due to a separate case filed under the Prevention of Forex Protection and Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (Cofepota). Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru Airport for smuggling 14.8 kg from Dubai. Gold rods were allegedly hidden using straps and tissues around its waist and calves in a detailed personal search. Extra gold rods and chopped pieces were also found in his shoes and front pockets. The seized gold is said to be of 24 carat purity, which costs more than Rs 12.56 crore. Rao has been booked under Customs Act and smuggling activity Prevention Act.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath said that objections in the case have already been registered. The court then adjourned the proceedings till 18 June. Ranya Rao and other accused Tarun Kondaru Raju were granted bail by special court for economic crime last month. Both were asked to produce two gardeners and fill a bond of Rs 2-2 lakh. The bail was given on the condition that the accused would not leave the country and do not repeat the crime again. The bail was granted bail after the Revenue Intelligence Directorate officials failed to submit the charge sheet within the prescribed period. This order was passed by Justice Vishwanath C. Gaadar.

Meanwhile, due to Cofeposa allegations, Rao is kept in preventive custody, as it allows law officials to detain persons suspected of being involved in harmful activities for smuggling or conservation of foreign currency.