Ranya gold smuggling probe: Govt places father DGP Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave


Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 16: The Karnataka government has placed DGP K Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave with immediate effect, pending an investigation into his alleged involvement in a gold smuggling case linked to his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao.

DGP Rao, who was serving as Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, was relieved of his duties following allegations that protocol privileges were misused to aid gold smuggling activities. The government has directed senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.

The investigation follows the recent arrest of Ranya Rao, who was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru International Airport with 14.8 kg of smuggled gold. Authorities later recovered Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her residence on Lavelle Road, where she reportedly paid a monthly rent of Rs 4.5 lakh.

Ranya Rao has been accused of leveraging her stepfather’s name and official status to bypass security protocols at the airport. Reports indicate that she accessed special privileges meant for senior government officials, which facilitated her alleged smuggling activities. In response, the state government has ordered an immediate review of how these privileges were extended and whether DGP Rao played any role in enabling their misuse.

The government’s directive mandates Gaurav Gupta to submit a report within a week. He has been granted full authority to summon DGP Rao for questioning and collect necessary documents in coordination with the State Police Chief and the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

The case has drawn scrutiny from multiple central agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which are also probing financial transactions linked to the smuggling network. Meanwhile, Ranya Rao has alleged that she was subjected to physical assault during interrogation by DRI officials, claiming they pressured her into signing statements and threatened to expose her stepfather.

Reacting to the developments, DGP Ramachandra Rao expressed shock over his stepdaughter’s arrest, stating that he was unaware of her alleged involvement in gold smuggling. As the investigation progresses, further action will be determined based on the findings of the inquiry and central agency reports.

 

 

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Sun, Mar 16 2025

    While committing crime she acted as a partner in the trade (crime). Equally responsible and must face law of land and punishment just on the basis of a normal citizen of the country. There shouldn't be any out of the way consideration/soft corner (gender feeling) Hammer the last nail!

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Ranya gold smuggling probe: Govt places father DGP Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave



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