Bengaluru: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has slapped fines totalling ₹271 crore on Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao and three associates for allegedly smuggling 324 kg of gold from Dubai into India.
According to the DRI notice, Rao — daughter of senior IPS officer and DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) Ramachandra Rao — has been fined ₹102 crore for smuggling 127 kg of gold.
Her associate Tarun K Raju faces a penalty of ₹63 crore for 71 kg, while Sahil Sakariya Jain and his relative Bharat Jain have been fined ₹53 crore each for 63 kg each.
The seized items were gold bars, classified as prohibited imports that attract a 100% fine, officials said. While no time frame for payment has been set, the accused have been directed to respond to the notice immediately.
A senior police officer said the accused can contest the penalties up to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the DRI has powers to attach their properties if dues are not cleared, though the process involves lengthy documentation.
All four are lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison, with Ranya Rao having challenged her detention in the Karnataka High Court.
