In a major breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested Sahil Jain, a key player in the high-profile Ranya Rao gold smuggling case. Jain is the third accused (A3) in the case and is being described as a “big catch” in the smuggling network.
According to DRI, Jain abetted the smuggling of 14.568 kg of gold, brought into the country on January 11, 2025, by actress Ranya Rao. The seized gold is valued at Rs 11,55,97,000, causing a customs duty loss of approximately Rs 4,46,61,919.
Investigations reveal that Jain had earlier assisted Ranya Rao on two other occasions in disposing of smuggled gold. DRI has also received leads indicating that Jain was preparing to dispose of 14.2 kg of gold seized from Ranya on March 3.
Sahil Jain has been remanded to DRI custody till Saturday.
Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at the Bengaluru airport after a thorough personal search revealed gold bars wrapped around her waist and calves with bandages and tissues. Besides, additional gold bars and cut pieces were also found in her shoes and front pockets.
The gold recovered was 24 carats and weighed 14.2 kg, valued at more than Rs 12.56 crore, and Rao has been charged under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.
The Protocol Officer who assisted the actor had told investigating officers that he had done so under specific instructions from DGP Ramchandra Rao.
Ranya's stepfather, Ramchandra Rao, was recently sent on compulsory leave amid huge uproar over the gold smuggling case.
Source: India Today