Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Row: K'Taka Govt Orders Probe Into IPS Father's Role In Airport Protocol Violation

Amid the spiraling row over the gold smuggling investigation involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, the Karnataka government on Tuesday ordered a probe into the role of Ranya's father and Director General of Police (DGP)-rank IPS officer Ramachandra Rao.

According to PTI, Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta has been told to lead the probe to ascertain whether the police officer had any involvement in the illegal activities. Moreover, the team has also been directed to look into the alleged misuse of protocol and privileges by the actor while smuggling gold.

Earlier, expressing shock and disbelief, DGP Rao, said, "Like any other father, I was shocked and devastated when it came to my notice through the media. I was not aware of any of these things. I don't want to say anything more."

"The law will do its job. There is no black mark on my career," he told news agency ANI.

About The Incident

On March 3, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Ranya Rao at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIAD) with 14.8 kilograms of gold worth rupees 12.56 crore. After a preliminary investigation, the authorities alleged that the gold bars were smuggled from Dubai.

Following her arrest, police teams also raided her Lavelle Road apartment and recovered more gold. Police suspected that Ranya took advantage of her stepfather's official designation in bypassing scrutiny at customs in the airport.

On March 4, Ranya was produced before a special court for financial offences where she was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. As per reports, Ranya made four trips to Dubai within a span of 15 days which points to her possible involvement in a larger smuggling network.

About IPS Officer Ramachandra Rao

DGP Ramachandra Rao is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who was promoted to the rank of DGP in September 2023. He currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.

Previously his career was marred by an alleged money seizure case in 2014 when he served as Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Southern Range. As per a report by the Hindustan Times, police claimed to have confiscated rupees 20 lakh from a private bus in Mysuru while the merchants transporting the cash alleged that the actual amount was rupees 2.27 crore and accused the police of misappropriation.