Karnataka gold smuggling case: Investigation ordered against DGP Ramachandra Rao after arrest of actress Ranya Rao

The government has ordered an inquiry against DGP Ramachandra Rao, the father of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested in a gold smuggling case in Karnataka. Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta has been appointed for this inquiry, who will investigate Ramachandra Rao's role in this case. The CM Office said on Tuesday that the order for Gaurav Gupta's appointment was issued on Monday.

The Karnataka government has also ordered a CID inquiry into the lapses and negligence of duty of police officers at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. DGP Ramachandra Rao is currently serving as the Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation. Actress Ranya Rao is his stepdaughter. She is accused of taking advantage of her father's influence.

The government order said, "ACS Gaurav Gupta has been appointed as the investigating officer to investigate the facts and circumstances of availing protocol-related facilities and to investigate the role of the state Director General of Police Ramachandra Rao (Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Corporation) in this case. He has to submit the report within a week."

The Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police and Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms have also been directed to provide all the necessary documents and assistance for the said investigation. The order said that Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence when she was illegally carrying gold bars from Dubai to Bengaluru.

During the investigation of this case, it was revealed that Ranya Rao had misused the facilities given to high-ranking officials at the airport. The order said, "It has also been reported that Ranya Rao has misused the protocol services provided by her father Ramachandra Rao. She has used the protocol given to her father to avoid investigation at the airport."

Let us tell you that on March 3, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport. The next day, the DRI said it had seized gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash worth Rs 2.67 crore from Ranya's house in Bengaluru. The DRI is investigating this case. The CBI has also joined the investigation.