Karnataka Govt withdraws CID probe into Ranya Rao gold smuggling case; Step-father’s role under scrutiny

The Karnataka government has officially withdrawn its order directing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe potential lapses by police officers at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport in connection with Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case. Instead, Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta will continue investigating the possible involvement of Ranya’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer.



According to PTI, K Ramachandra Rao, currently serving as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation, is under scrutiny for the alleged misuse of protocol-related facilities.


Gaurav Gupta’s inquiry will examine the circumstances that led to the security breach and Rao’s possible role in aiding the smuggling attempt.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) revealed that the metal detector at the airport had flagged something on Ranya, despite her claims of having nothing to declare. The DRI’s arrest memo further stated that she failed to provide proof of purchase or declaration for gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. During the baol hearing, Ranya Rao’s representative, senior advocate Kiran Javali argued that proper legal procedures were not followed by the DRI while arresting and interrogating the actress, to which the DRI made a counter-argument saying that the issue is much more serious, as Ranya was allegedly involved in the gold smuggling operation. DRI also stated that releasing the ‘Wagah’ actress on bail could hinder the investigation.

Earlier in a statement, K Ramachandra Rao expressed deep distress over the incident, saying, “No words can truly express the depth of my shock, pain, and devastation by the recent developments. This is an extremely difficult time for my family and me, and we are struggling to process it. If there is any violation of law on the part of Ranya, the law will take its course.”

A Bengaluru special court for Economic Offences has reserved its decision on Ranya Rao’s bail plea, with a verdict expected on March 14.
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