Ranya Rao: Action Against DGP in Gold Case

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, placed on compulsory leave after her arrest in a gold smuggling case.
Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru Airport with 14.2 kg of gold.
The investigation uncovered a “sophisticated methodology” for gold smuggling.
DGP Ramachandra Rao is accused of assisting in gold smuggling activities.
The Karnataka government has ordered an investigation into the case.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Days after Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s arrest in a gold smuggling case, her stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, has been placed on compulsory leave. Ranya Rao is embroiled in a gold smuggling case. Ramchandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer in Karnataka, was sent on compulsory leave on Saturday. The IPS officer currently serves as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.

Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru Airport on March 3 with 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. She was returning from Dubai. The Protocol Officer who assisted the actor told investigating officers that he had done so under specific instructions from DGP Rao.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which is investigating the case, informed the special court on Friday. They uncovered a “sophisticated methodology” for gold smuggling. This involves using the State Police Protocol Officer to bypass security. It also includes engaging in hawala transactions to transfer funds from India to Dubai for purchasing gold. The investigation also revealed the involvement of a larger syndicate.

Responding to his daughter’s arrest earlier, the IPS officer distanced himself from her actions. He said he was a “heartbroken parent”. He claimed he was unaware of her alleged involvement in smuggling activities. He learned about her arrest only through media reports, as she had been living separately after her recent marriage.

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However, the constable stationed at Kempegowda Airport Police Station served as a protocol officer. He told DRI officials that he was merely following direct orders from Ramachandra Rao. He said his duties involved facilitating the smooth arrival and departure of Ranya Rao. These duties were based on instructions from senior officials.

The Karnataka government on March 10 appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to probe the role of Ramachandra Rao. The probe will determine if he had any involvement in the alleged gold smuggling activity of his stepdaughter.

The government also ordered a CID investigation into the dereliction of duty by the police officers at the airport. However, this was withdrawn within hours of passing the order. The swift reversal raises questions about the internal pressures surrounding the investigation.

Ramachandra Rao’s career has been marred by multiple controversies. In 2014, he was implicated in a hawala scandal. He was accused of seizing and misappropriating Rs 2.07 crore. This led to his removal as Inspector General of Police for the Mysore range. He was later questioned by the CID over his alleged involvement in a fake encounter case. These past allegations cast a long shadow over his current situation.

Gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3. She was arriving from Dubai. Searches were conducted at her residence. Officials said that gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash were also recovered.

Ranya had traveled to Dubai 27 times since January this year, according to the probe agency. However, the actor denied her involvement in the racket. She claimed that she was “trapped” in smuggling. The frequency of her trips to Dubai raises significant suspicion.

Besides DRI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as well as the CBI are also probing the matter simultaneously. The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the seriousness of the case. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember