In a fresh development in the intensifying row over the gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, Basavaraj, the protocol officer who assisted her in getting clearance at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, alleged that he only followed Ranya's stepfather and Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao's direct instruction, as per a report by India Today.
Moreover, a Times of India report also suggested that the investigating agency Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) also revealed that the actress had managed to clear immigration and the Green Channel with assistance from the State Protocol Office.
The Karnataka government on Tuesday ordered a probe into the role of Ranya's father and DGP 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.
What All Did The Constable Say?
As per the India Today report, constable Basavaraj, who was stationed at the Kempegowda Airport Police Station said that he was following Ramachandra Rao's direct orders to ensure smooth arrivals and departures for Ranya.
During interrogation, Basavaraj mentioned that he received a call from Ranya Rao at 6:20 pm on the day of her arrest where she informed him of her arrival from Dubai and requested protocol assistance.
On March 3, Basavaraj was present when Ranya was leaving the airport, shortly before Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials apprehended her. The next day, Basavaraj was interrogated by DRI officials. During questioning, Basavaraj denied any involvement in or knowledge of gold smuggling.
Karnataka Govt Withdraws CID Investigation
Meanwhile, a fresh controversy erupted as just one day after ordering a CID investigation into the alleged misuse of privileges by state police in the gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao, the Karnataka government withdrew the directive on Wednesday.
The government on Tuesday ordered a CID investigation into the alleged involvement of the police in the misuse of official privileges and protocol benefits, a week after Ranya Rao was held with 14.2 kg of gold worth over Rs 12.86 crore at Bengaluru airport on March 3.
All About The Case
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.
