Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered an official investigation into alleged protocol violations at Bengaluru International Airport and the suspected involvement of senior IPS officer Dr. K Ramachandra Rao in a gold smuggling case tied to actress Ranya Rao.
The state’s Additional Chief Secretary, Gaurav Gupta, has been appointed as the investigating officer, with instructions to submit a detailed report within a week.
The controversy erupted after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Ranya Rao on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. Reports suggest that Rao misused her identity and the courtesy services extended to her to evade standard security checks and facilitate illegal activities.
Adding to the gravity of the situation are allegations of undue influence, with claims that the privileges provided to senior officials were extended to Rao’s father, Dr. K Ramachandra Rao, an IPS officer and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
The official government order noted the necessity of investigating the circumstances surrounding the use of these courtesy services and the possible involvement of the senior police officer. It called for a thorough probe into the misuse of official protocol and any attempts to bypass security measures for personal benefit.
Following her arrest, Ranya Rao was produced before a special court for financial offenses on March 4 and was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. Before her transfer to custody, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru.
During questioning, Rao claimed her trip to Dubai was for business purposes, but authorities suspect it was linked to illegal gold imports. She has been remanded to DRI custody until March 10, with the Economic Offences Court allowing her to meet her legal counsel for half an hour daily during this period.
The court also directed the DRI to ensure Rao’s well-being during custody, providing essentials like food and a bed, and warned against any harsh treatment during the investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the extent of the alleged misuse of official privileges and the possible involvement of high-ranking officials in this high-profile smuggling case.