Bengaluru, April 23 -- A Kannada film actor accused in a large-scale gold smuggling case is expected to be released from custody this week after completing a one-year preventive detention under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (Cofeposa) Act, according to officials familiar with the investigation.

Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardhini Ranya, was arrested in March 2025 and placed under preventive detention on April 22 that year. The detention period has now concluded, and enforcement agencies cannot extend custody under the same provisions, officials said.

An officer said she may be released later in the day or by Thursday, after her legal team completed pending surety requirements tied to the...