In view of her daughter and Kannada actor Ranya Rao's detention over alleged gold smuggling, her father and senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao said the incident has left him "shocked and devastated."
In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Bengaluru, arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her possession on Monday night.
Rao is an actor known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in 'Maanikya', which was released in 2014.
What Did The Actor's Father Say?
Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation), also 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.
"She is not living with us... she is living separately with her husband. There must be some problem between them... (maybe) due to some family issues," the top cop said.
Ranya, who arrived in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight from Dubai on Monday night, had been under DRI surveillance due to her frequent international trips. Officials said she managed to wear most of the gold inconspicuously while also concealing gold bars in her clothing.
About The Investigation So Far
Officials are investigating whether Ranya had any support from law enforcement personnel.
Preliminary findings suggest that upon her arrival at the airport, Ranya would claim to be the daughter of the DGP and would call local police officers to escort her home. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is now examining whether these officers were involved in, or unknowingly used for, the smuggling network.
The DRI has yet to release an official statement on the matter. The agency began monitoring her movements after noticing she had traveled to Dubai four times within the last 15 days. Acting on this information, the DRI intercepted her upon her return. After her arrest, Ranya was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru for further interrogation. She is expected to be presented before a Bengaluru court on March 4.
Officials also conducted Rao's home, which she shared with her husband, on Bengaluru's Lavelle Road and found Rs 2.06 crore in gold jewellery and cash worth Rs 2.67 crore.
