The makers of director Sudha Kongara's eagerly awaited upcoming period film, Parasakthi, featuring actors Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa and Sreeleela in the lead, have now announced that the film's release had been advanced to January 10. The film was earlier scheduled to be released in theatres on January 14. The festival of Pongal is a favourite release date for films in the South. Parasakthi release preponed Taking to its social media timelines, Dawn Pictures, the firm producing the film, shared a statement that read, "We wish to inform the media, trade, and audiences that the release of 'Parasakthi' has been preponed to January 10, 2026. This decision has been taken after extensive discussions and repeated requests from exhibitors and distributors worldwide, who have expressed strong confidence in the film's theatrical potential during this period. 'Parasakthi' will now release in theatres worldwide on January 10, 2026." Now, the film will clash with Vijay's Jana Nayagan. There is massive excitement around Vijay's film as it will mark his final movie bringing his acting career to an end. The actor will be shifting his focus on politics. More about Parasakthi The film has triggered huge expectations in both fans and film buffs. It may be recalled that Sivakarthikeyan had begun dubbing for the film in the last week of November. Both actress Sreeleela, who plays the female lead, and actor Ravi Mohan, who plays the antagonist in the film, have dubbed for their portions. Interestingly, Sreeleela has dubbed in her own voice for this film. The makers had officially confirmed on October 21 this year that the unit had wrapped up the shooting of the film. In August, the unit wrapped up its Pollachi schedule. Parasakthi has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs. The period film is believed to be set in the 1960s in the then state of Madras. A teaser released by the unit shows that the story takes place in the Pachaiyappa’s college in Madras where Sivakarthikeyan is seen going door to door, in search of something. He comes across as a fearless leader, looking to lead students on a violent protest in rebellion against an unjust system which seems to have imposed orders such as ‘Students - do not touch’. Incidentally, the teaser shows this order printed on a wall changed to ‘Do not touch students’.
22 December,2025 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMalayalam film actor and producer Dulquer Salmaan, on Monday, took to social media to express his love and gratitude for his wife, Amal Sufiya on their wedding anniversary. In a heartfelt post, he reflected on their 14 years together. The actor celebrated the life they’ve built, their shared dreams, and the special bond they continue to nurture. Dulquer Salmaan pens note for wife Amal Sufiya Taking to his Instagram handle, Dulquer posted a couple of his romantic photos with Amal and penned a heartfelt note where he recalled how, as newlyweds from different homes, they were nervous yet hopeful about the future. In the caption, the Sita Ramam actor mentioned how they continue to pursue both individual and shared dreams in their careers and personal life. He expressed gratitude, love, and pride for his wife, affectionately calling her the “better half.” Dulquer Salmaan wrote, “14 years ago today, we were two different individuals from two different homes newly married, standing together on a stage. Nervous. Hopeful. Excited about what lay ahead. Today we have built a wonderful home and this life together and that too with our biggest blessing. And now we are pursuing our independent and collective dreams both in our careers and home.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dulquer Salmaan (@dqsalmaan) “I’m so grateful, blessed and proud to be your other half. Though the world will agree that you will always be the better half Happy 14th my Jaan. I love you long time,” he added. The couple tied the knot on December 22, 2011, in Chennai. The couple welcomed their daughter, Maryam, in May 2017. Dulquer Salmaan's work front The actor was last seen in the Tamil film Kaantha which also starred Rana Daggubati. He will next be seen in the Malayalam movie I'm Game which will mark his comeback to Malayalam film. The film marks director Nahas Hidayath’s next venture after the blockbuster hit 'RDX'. Produced by Dulquer along with Jom Verghese, I'm Game happens to be the actor’s 40th film. The film also features actors Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir, Parth Thiwari, and Tamil actress Samyuktha Viswanathan. The actor also had a great year as a producer with the blockbuster film Lokah: Chapter 1. The film starring Kalyani Priyadarshan became the first Malayalam film to cross Rs 300 crore worldwide.
22 December,2025 05:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentExplaining that he would definitely request Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth to act in Kannada when there was a worthy role for him, Kannada Superstar Dr Shiva Rajkumar said that he should not take advantage of Rajinikanth just because he did a role in the Tamil film Jailer. At a media interaction called to promote his upcoming Kannada film 45, the Kannada megastar was asked if, since the unit of Rajinikanth's Jailer requested him to act in it, he would request Rajinikanth to act in a Kannada film. In response to this question, Shiva Rajkumar said, "It cannot be done just like that when one thinks. It (the project) has to shape up really well. When he comes, it must be something very different. That is what I wish for. I shouldn't simply take advantage of him. Just because I came here and did a role in Jailer, I shouldn't call sir. I am seeing him from the time I was a child. I should not take advantage. If there is a worthy role, I will definitely request Rajini sir." More about 45 The film has been produced by Uma Ramesh Reddy and M Ramesh Reddy and has dialogues by Anil Kumar. Apart from Dr Shiva Rajkumar, the film, which has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs, will also feature actors Raj B Shetty and Upendra in pivotal roles. Speaking about the film, Raj B Shetty said, "There are three elements that come in this story. One is the realistic story of a commoner. This meets the cinematic moment of another character, and it ends in a fantasy. But the travel is not jarring, and it travels seamlessly." The film has cinematography by Satya Hegde and editing by K M Prakash. Stunts for the film have been choreographed by Dr K Ravivarma, Jolly Bastian, Different Dany, and Chetan D’souza, while dances have been choreographed by Chinni Prakash and B Dhananjay. Director Arun Janya talks about 45 Interestingly, 45, which is scheduled to hit screens on December 25 this year, will mark the directorial debut of music director Arjun Janya. Director Arjun Janya said, "The film has been titled 45 as the story takes place within this period. The idea for the plot for this film came from certain experiences in my life. That was the starting point. I narrated this script to Shivanna, who asked me to direct this film myself. He is my second inspiration." When asked what genre this film would come under, the director admitted that it would be hard to classify it into one genre. It is for the audience to decide, he said, and sought assistance from actor Raj B Shetty, who plays a pivotal role in the film.
22 December,2025 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSS Rajamouli's ambitious time-travel adventure Varanasi has been one of the most anticipated titles, with fans closely watching out for anyupdates or developments about the film. Now, according to the latest development, the lead actor, Mahesh Babu, has been receiving intensive training in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. The big-budget production iscurrently in progress, and is believed to be his most demanding role yet. SS Rajamouli trains in Kalaripayattu The Telugu superstar will be seen essaying the role of Rudhra in Rajamouli’s next directorial venture. The news of Mahesh Babu’s martial arts training gained attention after Hyderabad-based instructor Hari Krish shared some photos with the actor on Instagram. On one of the images, he wrote, “I never thought my journey would lead me to train a global star of Indian cinema on Kalaripayattu." Revealing the identity of the star, he added, “Feeling proud and truly blessed to have trained urstrulymahesh sir in the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. His lifestyle, aura, and hospitality are deeply inspiring." The trainer also appreciated senior actor Nasser and Rajamouli, writing, “Immense gratitude to nasser_unmasked sir for the opportunity and ssrajamouli sir for his acceptance." Kalaripayattu is one of the world’s oldest martial arts, which originated in the state of Kerala. The martial art form combines physical training, spiritual discipline, and unique combat techniques, and is known for its animal-inspired postures, fluid movements, and the use of traditional weapons such as swords and sticks. The art form has been famously used earlier in films such as Commando (2013), Baaghi (2016), and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025). About Varanasi Varanasi also stars Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, along with Mahesh Babu. The project is said to be an adventure spanning continents and timelines. Anticipation for the film skyrocketed after the makers held a grand event named Globetrotter to announce the name of the film in Hyderabad earlier. They later released a short video showcasing glimpses of its expansive world, increasing the intrigue among the fans. As the production for Rajamouli's film continues, industry insiders are calling it one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects. The film is eyes a release date of Sankranthi 2027.
22 December,2025 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTamil actor Sivakarthikeyan was involved in a minor car accident near the Madhya Kailash Temple in Chennai recently, according to reports. The actor escaped unhurt. However, a video from the incident has now gone viral on social media, showing a verbal altercation that broke out between two individuals as a traffic cop intervened. Sivakarthikeyan involved in car accident The viral clip shows Sivakarthikeyan present at the scene following the accident. Two men can be seen arguing on the road beside the vehicle, while the actor stands nearby in a black T-shirt. A traffic policeman is also seen taking a call before returning to diffuse the situation, after which the actor appears to walk away. A small crowd had gathered at the spot. Reportedly, Sivakarthikeyan’s car collided with a vehicle in front during peak traffic hours. While no one was injured in the accident, it led to a brief commotion on the street, prompting traffic police intervention. The matter was later resolved amicably. Reports also claim that a woman involved in the incident admitted it was her fault. Actor Sivakarthikeyan’s car was involved in a minor accident near Madhya Kailash, Chennai due to heavy traffic. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.#Sivakarthikeyan #ParaSakthi #Kollywood pic.twitter.com/zKBvV4p9Y5 — Marx2.O (@Marx2PointO) December 20, 2025 Sivakarthikeyan’s work front The actor is currently gearing up for the release of his 25th film, Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara. He recently began dubbing for the film in the last week of November. Production house Dawn Pictures shared a video of Sivakarthikeyan dubbing under Sudha Kongara’s supervision and wrote, “When his voice turns into a storm. @sivakarthikeyan begins dubbing for #Parasakthi – Coming to theatres on January 14th.” Actors Sreeleela, who plays the female lead, and Ravi Mohan, who essays the antagonist, have also completed dubbing for their portions. Notably, Sreeleela has dubbed in her own voice. The makers confirmed on October 21 that the film’s shooting had been wrapped up. Parasakthi, tentatively titled SK25, has generated significant buzz among fans. The period drama, also starring Atharvaa, is reportedly set in the 1960s in the then Madras State. A teaser reveals that the story unfolds at Pachaiyappa’s College in Madras, with Sivakarthikeyan portrayed as a fearless student leader rallying against an unjust system. The teaser also hints at Ravi Mohan’s character plotting to kill the protagonist. The film features music by G. V. Prakash Kumar, cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran, and stunt choreography by Supreme Sundar. Parasakthi is slated for a Pongal release on January 14 next year.
22 December,2025 04:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs The Raja Saab approaches its release date next month, Prabhas fans who have been anticipating the film for months have reached new heights of enthusiasm. TG Vishwa Prasad, one of the film's producers, has now given an official statement about the film's pre-release business. In recent days, there have been numerous parallels to how Prabhas' previous films performed on pre-release alone. TG Vishwa Prasad took to his X account to share a note that mentioned, “There’s a lot of noise around the business of our biggest film. We don’t discuss internal spends or numbers publicly. What truly matters to us and the fans is the theatrical impact. Post release, we will officially share the worldwide box-office figures.” He further added, “Cinema moves in phases. Today, the non-theatrical market is going through a natural correction, while theatres continue to deliver the real verdict. Even in this phase, our film has secured the highest non-theatrical value available today.” The producer even reacted to the comparisons with other films, “Comparisons are unnecessary. Rajasaab is a massive horror-fantasy crafted to roar in theatres. Let the screens speak.” Makers recently released the new song The Raja Saab's producers have increased the buzz surrounding the film by releasing behind-the-scenes videos from the second song, 'Sahana Sahana', which features Nidhhi Agerwal. The BTS video, which was published on social media, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the love track and has immediately gained traction among fans. The makers took to Instagram and uploaded three videos of Nidhhi Agrewal practising for the dance piece. On-set laughter and masti are also noticeable. However, interested fans instantly inquired about Prabhas' absence in the comments section. Many others sent heart emojis in the comments section. Recently, the actress thanked fans for their support of the song. This is the second song in the film. All about Raja Saab According to reports, the Raja Saab will cost Rs 400 crore. Previously, the film's team stated in a press release that the horror comedy picture will centre on a haveli that is 'unlike anything Indian cinema has seen before'. The set, designed by art director Rajeevan Nambiar, spans 41,256 square feet. According to the creators, the haveli is more than simply a backdrop; it is an 'immersive, living, breathing space' that plays a significant role in the plot. Maruthi wrote and directed the film, which was produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment. The film was formally announced in January 2024; however, filming began in 2022. It is now set to open in theatres on January 9.
22 December,2025 03:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of director Vetrimaaran's eagerly awaited action entertainer Arasan, featuring actor Silambarasan aka Simbu in the lead, have now released a Behind The Scenes (BTS) video titled 'Behind the rise of Arasan', much to the delight of fans and film buffs. Sources from the unit say that Simbu is currently shooting for the film at Kovilpatti and that the current schedule is to go on until the end of the month. Taking to his X timeline, producer Kalaipuli S Thanu, whose V Creations is producing the film, wrote, "The rise begins! Behind The Rise of Arasan is out now!" and shared the link to the BTS clip. The BTS clip gives audiences a glimpse of Simbu's makeover for his look in the film. It also, among other things, gives an idea of how director Vetri Maaran goes about his job on the sets and shows Simbu striking a conversation with actor Samuthirakani on the sets. The BTS clips in the video seem to have been primarily shot while the unit was in the process of making a promo that was subsequently released. The rise begins! β¨π₯Behind The Rise of #Arasan is out now!https://t.co/MU56O9ZbsB#VetriMaaran @SilambarasanTR_ @VijaySethuOffl @anirudhofficial #SilambarasanTR #ARASAN pic.twitter.com/D7iCBsLfJy — Kalaippuli S Thanu (@theVcreations) December 21, 2025 The film has triggered huge expectations for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is the first time that Simbu and ace director Vetri Maran are working together. Next, the film is being produced by one of Tamil cinema's top producers Kalaipuli S Thanu. What has added to the excitement is that the makers recently announced that actor Vijay Sethupathi had been roped in for the project. A promo for the film that was released by the makers earlier this year begins on a light note with director Nelson making an appearance as himself in it. Simbu tells director Nelson that what he is about to tell him is all true. The killers, the victims, the names and places are all real. But then, he urges Nelson not to show it as it is and asks him to put a disclaimer in his film. "I'm saying this only because most of the cases about which I am going to tell you are still under trial," he says and adds that if what he says comes out, not only "innocents" like him but several lawyers, politicians, police officers and even judges will be in trouble. Even as Simbu says this, the makers of Arasan put out a disclaimer. "If you put out a disclaimer, even if the incidents shown in the film are true, no one can question you," he tells a now nervous Nelson. He then says it is his case that is coming up for hearing next, and that he will return and explain in detail. He goes into court an,d on his way to the courtroom, is coached by his lawyer. Once he takes the stand, the judge tells him that the police have charged him with committing three murders in one night and asks him if he pleads guilty. To this, Simbu replies that he has nothing to do with the murders. However, the scenes shown next show that he is the one who has hacked the victims to death... The promo makes it clear that this will be an untold story from the world of Vada Chennai. It may be recalled that it was only recently that the makers announced the title of the film as Arasan. Vetrimaran's film with Simbu will also feature Andrea Jeremiah, Vijay Sethupathi, Samuthirakani, and Kishore in key roles. Music for the film is being scored by Anirudh. It may be recalled that director Vetrimaran had recently put an end to all the speculation surrounding the second part of his eagerly-awaited film Vada Chennai. Vetri Maran had said that his next film (Arasan) would feature Simbu in the lead, but that this would not be Vada Chennai 2 as was being speculated in some sections of the media. He made it clear that, however, the story of Arasan would be set in the world of Vada Chennai. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2025 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSJust days after actress Nidhhi Agerwal was mobbed by fans gathered at The Raja Saab song launch event, Samantha Ruth Prabhu faced a similar problem in Hyderabad. The Citadel: Honey Bunny actress was reportedly surrounded by a large number of people as she stepped out for a work-related activity, leading to chaos that has since gone viral on social media. Samantha Ruth Prabhu mobbed by fans On Sunday, several videos began circulating online showing Samantha struggling to move amid the overwhelming crowd. In the clips, she appears visibly uncomfortable by the surge of fans, who made it difficult for her to walk or reach her vehicle. As the crowd pushed closer to her, the security personnel were seen holding her hand and creating a path to escort her safely to her car. Why fans in south don't understand boundaries even after rajasaab incidentbyu/Hungry_Business592 inBollyBlindsNGossip Despite the situation, Samantha maintained her calm and did not express any emotion as she made her way through the crowd. According to reports, Samantha was inaugurating a store in Hyderabad when the incident took place. Niddhi Agerwal mobbed at The Raja Saab event Earlier, Nidhhi Agerwal was mobbed by fans at Lulu Mall in Hyderabad. Following the incident, Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB) police had registered a suo motu case against the management of the Mall and the organisers of the promotional event of a song launch for her upcoming film, The Raja Saa,b in Hyderabad. The case was allegedly filed on December 18, a day after the clips from the incident went viral online, triggering outrage on social media. According to the police, the event was held at Lulu Mall and drew a massive crowd of fans, which led to chaos and a serious breach of security.
21 December,2025 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFrom its announcement video to its first-look posters and teaser glimpses, every piece of content from Ram Charan’s upcoming film Peddi has sparked conversations, trends, and excitement across social media platforms. Its first single, Chikiri Chikiri, completely took over upon release, crossing a staggering 46 million views in just 24 hours and emerging as one of the most viewed and liked music tracks of the year. Now, images from the sets have been leaked, showcasing Ram Charan shooting in Delhi. Ram Charan shoots for Peddi in Delhi While the excitement for Peddi continues to rise, Ram Charan’s shooting images from the sets have surfaced online. As seen in the leaked pictures, Ram is walking on the streets near Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi during the chilling winter and concerns of rising AQI in the capital city. Looking absolutely raw, it appears that he is playing a very different character. These leaked visuals have further piqued curiosity and anticipation for the film. Ram Charan seems to be stepping into an entirely new avatar, making it even more exciting to see him on the big screen. The team was earlier scheduled to wrap the Delhi portion in the second half of November. However, owing to the Red Fort blast that raised security concern, the team had decided postpone the shoot. π¬ PEDDI Shooting Update :Ram Charan’s Peddi begins a key shooting schedule in Delhi, featuring major scenes at Rashtrapati Bhavan and other landmark locations.#Peddi #MegaPowerStar #RamCharanπ΅ pic.twitter.com/NlR5wMalvm — πππ ππππππ (@Iam_Muniraj) December 21, 2025 About Peddi first single Chikiri Chikiri A few weeks back, the makers released the foot-tapping romantic single Chikiri Chikiri from the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. The foot tapping number, which has been set to tune by A R Rahman, has lyrics by Balaji and is sung by Mohit Chauhan. Ram Charan unleashes his signature dance flair, perfectly synced to Rahman’s infectious and high-voltage composition. The beat radiates energy, and the number delivers a full-blown visual and musical feast. Ram Charan sports a mass and rustic look and the hook step is a treat to watch. It may be recalled that earlier, director Buchi Babu Sana had disclosed the meaning of 'Chikiri'. The director, who posted a video clip of him having a conversation with A R Rahman, is seen explaining the situation of the song to the music director. He says, "The hero sees the heroine for the first time in the village. He tells his friend that she is that rare girl who looks beautiful without any makeup. He calls her a chikiri." Rahman asks what a Chikiri, is and to that the director replies, "The men in the hero's village affectionately call the pretty women of their village Chikiri. That is where the song begins." When is Peddi releasing? Featuring Ram Charan, Janhvi Kapoor, Jagapathi Babu, Shiva Rajkumar and Divyendu Sharma, Peddi is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings under the banner Vriddhi Cinemas. With a top-notch technical crew on board, Peddi promises a rich cinematic experience. R Rathnavelu is handling cinematography, while National Award-winning editor Navin Nooli takes charge of the editing. Peddi is slated for a grand Pan-India theatrical release on March 27, 2026, coinciding with Ram Charan’s birthday.
21 December,2025 01:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOne of the most anticipated films of 2026, Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, continues to build massive momentum as the makers officially unveiled the first look of Kiara Advani as Nadia. This is the first look that has been unveiled of the actress from the film. Kiara Advani dazzles as Nadia Kiara, who has steadily built a reputation for her versatility and screen presence, appears in a whole new light in this latest reveal. Having navigated a variety of genres- ranging from poignant dramas to high-octane commercial cinema- she has firmly established herself as one the most prominent figures in the Hindi film industry. This new character marks an intriguing evolution in her filmography as she steps into the raw and vivid world envisioned by director Geetu Mohandas. The first look at Nadia captures Kiara Advani in a moment of striking complexity. While the poster initially places her in a glamorous spotlight against a vibrant circus backdrop, a closer inspection reveals a character defined by profound emotional layers. Beneath the spectacle lies a sense of grief and melancholy, signaling a shift toward a performance-driven narrative. This complex depiction hints that Nadia is far more than a conventional role, suggesting a transformative turn that could be a career-defining milestone for the actress. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yash (@thenameisyash) Reflecting on Kiara’s portrayal, director Geetu Mohandas said "Some performances don’t just belong to a film, they redefine an artist. What Kiara created on screen in this film is nothing short of transformative. As a director, I am deeply proud of her and for the performance she has delivered, and for the faith and heart she brought into our shared journey.” More about Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups Four years after redefining box-office history with KGF: Chapter 2, Rocking Star Yash makes his much-awaited return to the big screen with Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, one of the most anticipated films of 2026, generating massive buzz across industries, made even more special as the announcement coincides with the 7th anniversary of KGF, the film that marked the beginning of a cinematic phenomenon. Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been filmed simultaneously in English and Kannada, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and several other languages, underscoring its global ambition. The film brings together a formidable technical team with National Award winner Rajeev Ravi as cinematographer, Ravi Basrur on music, Ujwal Kulkarni handling editing, and TP Abid leading production design, while Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick) and National Award-winning duo Anbariv have choreographed the film’s high-octane action sequences. Produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is slated for a grand theatrical release on the long festive weekend of 19th March 2026, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi and Gudi Padwa.
21 December,2025 12:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Karnataka High Court on Friday denied habeas corpus petitions for actress Ranya Rao, who is suspected of smuggling gold from Dubai, as well as co-accused Tarun Konduru Raju and Sahil Jain. The order was issued by a divided bench comprising Justices Anu Sivaraman and Vijaykumar A Patil. The new verdict in Ranya Rao's case The petitions sought a warrant of habeas corpus, declaring the three accused's COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act) detention order unconstitutional and 'invalid ab initio'. Rao was arrested on March 3 at the Bengaluru airport while reportedly attempting to escape customs duty of Rs 4.83 crore by tying a significant amount of smuggled gold to her body using bandages. Raju is also accused of playing a role in the smuggling scheme, with Jain allegedly acting as a hawala agent. All about Ranya Rao's case The Karnataka High Court dismissed the accused's bail application on April 26, citing the serious impact of economic crimes on the national economy. Among other considerations, Rao's status as a movie star raised the possibility of a flight risk. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) further told the high court that the three defendants smuggled over 100 kg of gold into India over several visits, with the 14.2 kilogram of gold seized from Rao worth Rs 12.56 crore. They had previously alleged that at least 11 of the accused's 34 trips to Dubai involved gold smuggling. Meanwhile, the COFEPOSA detention order dated April 22 would allow the accused to remain in detention for up to a year even if bail was granted. Rao's counsel had previously said that the grounds for arrest had not been properly communicated to her and raised the question of procedural irregularities. On the other hand, the State claimed that Rao was shown a pen drive with the necessary material, and that because it was not possible to hand it over to her due to jail regulations, it was given to one of her legal representatives. Regarding Raju's alleged role, Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath noted, "He has extensively travelled to Dubai and other African countries looking for ways to source gold. He was a partner in a company called Veera Diamonds. Tarun Raju had a key role in the smuggling chain as the billing was done under his name. A comprehensive copy of Friday's order is requested.
20 December,2025 08:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
