Latest news with #ConservationofForeignExchangeandPreventionofSmugglingActivitiesAct
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Kannada Actor's Mother Challenges Prolonged Detention In Karnataka High Court Despite Bail Grant
The mother of Kannada actor Ranya Rao has approached the Karnataka High Court with a habeas corpus petition, seeking judicial intervention to secure her daughter's release from prolonged custody. The legal challenge centers on the actor's continued detention despite receiving bail approval in a high-profile gold smuggling case. Ranya Rao secured bail from the Special Court for Economic Offences on May 20, yet remains incarcerated due to overlapping charges under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA). This legal complexity has created a situation where despite judicial relief in one case, the actor continues to face detention under preventive custody provisions. The case originated from Rao's arrest at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, where customs officials allegedly discovered a sophisticated gold concealment operation. Investigators reportedly found 14.8 kilograms of gold bars strategically hidden around her waist and calves using medical bandages and tissues, with additional quantities concealed in her footwear and clothing pockets. The seized contraband, comprising 24-carat gold valued at over Rs 12.56 crore, was allegedly smuggled from Dubai. The substantial quantity and sophisticated concealment methods led to charges under both the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, creating multiple legal proceedings that have complicated her release. During recent court proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath indicated that formal objections had been filed regarding the habeas corpus petition. The Karnataka High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 18, providing both parties time to prepare their arguments on the detention's legality. The Special Court for Economic Offences had granted bail to both Rao and co-accused Tarun Kondaru Raju under specific conditions, including surrender of passports, prohibition from leaving the country, and execution of Rs 2 lakh bonds with two sureties each. Justice Vishwanath C Gowdar's bail order came after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence failed to file charges within the mandatory timeframe. However, the COFEPOSA legislation provides authorities with extensive powers to maintain preventive detention for individuals suspected of activities threatening foreign exchange conservation or engaging in smuggling operations. This legal framework allows continued custody even when bail has been granted in related cases, creating the current legal impasse. The case highlights the complex intersection of multiple legal frameworks governing economic offences in India, where overlapping jurisdictions can result in prolonged detention despite judicial relief in specific charges. The High Court's decision will likely provide crucial clarity on the balance between preventive detention powers and individual liberty rights in cases involving serious economic crimes.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Kannada Actress's Family Challenges Prolonged Custody In Karnataka High Court Despite Court-Approved Release
The mother of Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has approached the Karnataka High Court through a habeas corpus petition, questioning the legal basis for her daughter's ongoing imprisonment in a major gold trafficking case. Despite receiving court approval for release, the actress remains behind bars due to overlapping legal proceedings. Rao received authorization for release on May 20 from the Special Court for Economic Offences, but her freedom has been blocked by additional charges filed under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (Cofeposa). This separate legal framework allows authorities to maintain custody of individuals suspected of smuggling activities that threaten foreign exchange conservation. The actress was apprehended at Bengaluru airport on March 3 following allegations of attempting to transport 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai. According to official reports, a comprehensive physical examination revealed gold bars strategically hidden around her body using medical bandages and tissues, particularly around her waist and leg areas. Investigators also discovered additional gold pieces concealed within her footwear and clothing pockets. The confiscated precious metal, confirmed to be 24-carat quality, carried an estimated value exceeding Rs 12.56 crore. Legal proceedings have been initiated against Rao under both the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act. During recent court proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath informed the court that formal objections had been submitted regarding the case. The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 18. The Special Court for Economic Offences had granted release to both Rao and co-accused Tarun Kondaru Raju last month, requiring each to provide two guarantors and post a Rs 2 lakh security bond. The release conditions included restrictions on international travel and prohibitions against repeating similar offenses. Justice Vishwanath C Gowdar approved the release after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence failed to file charges within the required timeframe. However, the Cofeposa legislation enables authorities to maintain preventive detention for individuals suspected of engaging in smuggling operations or activities that could harm foreign exchange stability, effectively overriding the earlier bail decision. This legal mechanism has resulted in Rao's continued incarceration despite the court's initial approval for her release.
India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Ranya Rao's mother moves High Court over continued detention despite bail
Kannada actor Ranya Rao's mother has filed a habeas corpus petition before the Karnataka High Court, challenging the legality of her daughter's detention in connection with a gold smuggling Rao was granted bail on May 20 by the Special Court for Economic Offences, but continues to remain in custody, due to a separate case that was filed under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (Cofeposa). advertisementRanya Rao was arrested at the Bengaluru airport on March 3 for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. A detailed personal search reportedly revealed gold bars concealed around her waist and calves using bandages and tissues. Additional gold bars and cut pieces were also found hidden in her shoes and front pockets. The seized gold, stated to be of 24-carat purity, was valued at over Rs 12.56 crore. Rao has been booked under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath submitted that objections had already been filed in the matter. The court subsequently adjourned the proceedings to June Rao and the second accused, Tarun Kondaru Raju, were granted bail by the Special Court for Economic Offences last month after asking both to furnish two sureties and execute a bond of Rs 2 lakh each. The bail was subject to conditions that the accused would not leave the country and would not repeat the offence. The bail was granted after officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence failed to submit the charge sheet within the stipulated period. The order was passed by Justice Vishwanath C due to the Cofeposa charges, Rao continues to be in preventive detention, as the legislation empowers authorities to detain individuals suspected of involvement in smuggling or activities detrimental to the conservation of foreign exchange. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ready to cooperate with probe, says Karnataka home minister Parameshwara after ED raids
BENGALURU: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said he will extend his complete cooperation to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) which has been carrying out searches at 16 locations, including educational institutions linked to him. Among the premises raided by ED on Wednesday were the Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Siddhartha Medical College in Tumakuru and Siddhartha Medical College in Begur, as well as the Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, a deemed-to-be university. Parameshwara is the chancellor of the deemed-to-be university to which the colleges are affiliated. According to ED officials, their probe has revealed the trust which runs the institutions had paid ₹40 lakh to clear Kannada actor Ranya Rao's credit card bills. Rao, the step daughter of former DGP Murlidhar Rao, was arrested from Bengaluru international airport on March 3 with 14.2 kilograms of gold bars estimated to cost ₹12.56 crore. She was recently granted bail after the investigating agency failed to file a charge sheet within the statutory deadline but continues to be in custody under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (Cofeposa). Parameshwara said the central agency has sought financial records for four to five years. 'I have asked the staff to co-operate and provide them with whatever documents or details they asked for related to the institution. Obviously, they have questioned the staff in our accounts section,' Parameshwara told reporters on Thursday. 'Whatever comes out of their verification or search or whatever you call it, I am ready to cooperate. I have told the same to our staff. Because it is an institution. It is not an individual,' he added. Parameshwara declined to comment on allegations that the trust had spent ₹40 lakh to pay Ranya Rao's credit card bills. 'I don't want to comment at this point of time,' he said. 'Let the investigation get completed. They must give us a report. I don't want to react.' Some Congress leaders speculate that Parameshwara was being targeted because he was seen as a potential candidate for the chief minister's post. Parameshwara declined to comment on the political angle, stating, 'There will be a time when I will come out and talk about it. At this point, no comments.' Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who met Parameshwara on Thursday, downplayed the allegations. Shivakumar said the minister had informed him that he had given a gift at the time of Ranya Rao's wedding. 'I just spoke to Parameshwara, there was a marriage (ceremony), we are in public life, we run institutions. As a gesture to people we know, we give lots of gifts, we give Re 1, ₹10, ₹10 lakh, ₹5 lakh. I think he might have also given a gift. It was a wedding, nothing wrong in it,' Shivakumar said. The deputy chief minister said public figures often meet hundreds of people and are not always aware of their personal dealings. 'Whatever activities done by that lady is a personal issue, the law will take its course. As far as Parameshwara is concerned, we meet thousands of people, we don't know who does what. We don't want to interfere with the law and ED,' he added. BJP leader and former minister R Ashoka said the Siddhartha institutions were under scrutiny due to suspected financial ties to gold smuggling operations. 'It is established in the investigation that the gold was brought here and given to many persons. They might have got the information on the gold smuggling money being invested in the Siddhartha Education institutions,' he said, demanding strict action against all those involved. Ashoka also referred to ongoing investigations involving Congress leaders in other cases, and said those found guilty should face the consequences.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
DK Shivakumar's 'Wedding Gift' Twist Amid Raids Against Karnataka Minister
Bengaluru: Adding a twist amid the Enforcement Directorate raids against Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara in the gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today said the minister had told him that he gave a wedding gift to the actor and that there was "nothing wrong in it". Mr Shivakumar today met the state Home Minister at his residence. Speaking to the media later, he said, "I just spoke to Parameshwara, there was a marriage (ceremony), we are in public life, we run institutions. As a gesture to people we know, we give lots of gifts, we give Re 1, Rs 10, Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh. I think he might have also given a gift. It was a marriage, nothing wrong in it." The Deputy Chief Minister said no politician will support the kind of activities Ranya Rao is accused of. "Whatever activities done by that lady is a personal issue, the law will take its course. As far as Parameshwar is concerned, we meet thousands of people, we don't know who does what. We don't want to interfere with the law and ED. I just discussed with him, I asked him what is the reality, he said at the time of marriage, he has given, he has gifted, quite natural," he said. Interestingly, when NDTV approached Mr Parameshwara for his remarks on what his cabinet colleague said, he replied with a smile, "You ask DK Shivakumar." Asked if he would cooperate with the investigation, he replied, "Of course." The Enforcement Directorate has conducted raids at several educational institutions linked to the Karnataka Home Minister in connection with the gold smuggling case. The central agency is investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and targeting hawala operators who allegedly carried out 'fake' transactions into accounts linked to Ranya Rao. Mr Parameshwara said the agency's officials visited three institutions and a university and sought financial records for the past five years. He said he had instructed his staff to cooperate with the investigators. "As a person who believes in the law of the land, I am prepared to cooperate with whatever comes out of their verifications or searches," he said. Asked about allegations that a sum of Rs 40 lakh from his institution's account was used to pay Ranya Rao's credit card bill, he said he would respond after the investigation is completed. Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport after she flew in from Dubai. Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized gold bars weighing 12 kg and worth over Rs 12 crore from her. A special court yesterday granted bail to Ranya Rao and a co-accused after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence could not file a chargesheet in time. The actor will, however, remain in jail because she has also been charged under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974, which allows preventive detention without bail for a year. Claiming a major breakthrough, the Enforcement Directorate has said that an education trust diverted funds and made a payment of Rs 40 lakh towards the credit card bill of Ranya Rao, allegedly on the instructions of an influential individual. "No supporting vouchers or documentation were found to substantiate this payment," it has said.
