In a major move related to the ongoing gold smuggling case against Kannada actress Ranya Rao, her stepfather, Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) K Ramachandra Rao, has been put on compulsory leave with effect from now. The state government took the move against the backdrop of allegations of misuse of protocol and possible complicity in orchestrating the smuggling operations.
Background: Arrest of Ranya Rao
Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on 3 March 2025 when officials found 14.8 kg of gold, worth around тВ╣12.56 crore, hidden in her bags. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) suspects she is part of a larger smuggling syndicate and is carrying out an in-depth investigation.
Allegations Against DGP K Ramachandra Rao
The probe found that Ranya Rao allegedly used her stepfather’s status to get around normal security procedures. Basavaraj Ibblur, a state protocol officer, confessed to organizing VIP favors for Ranya on the instructions of DGP Ramachandra Rao. Ibblur told the DRI that he organized a ‘green channel’ for Ranya when she arrived, as per her stepfather’s direct instructions.
Government’s Response: Compulsory Leave and Investigation
In reaction to these charges, the Karnataka state government ordered compulsory leave for DGP Ramachandra Rao. Though the government order did not cite reasons, it is popularly believed to be connected to the investigation in progress into VIP protocol misuse. Additional Director General of Police (Recruitment) K.V. Sharath Chandra has been tasked with monitoring Rao’s duties as Chair and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
In addition, the state government also appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate DGP Rao’s possible involvement in the smuggling operations. The officer so appointed is to start the investigation forthwith and submit a report within a week.
DGP Rao’s Response
DGP Ramachandra Rao reacted in shock and horror at his stepdaughter’s arrest, claiming he had no idea what she was involved in. He said that Ranya had been residing away with her husband since their wedding four months ago and hadn’t come to his house ever since. Rao asserted that he was uninformed regarding her business dealings and was worried about the effect of the incident on his image and the future of his family.
Implications and Future Steps
The mandatory leave of a senior police officer in the face of such charges is unheard of and points to the seriousness with which the state government is approaching the issue. The investigations are focused on determining the level of any abuse of official procedures and possible involvement of other officials in the smuggling ring. The results will be important in deciding a further course of action and ensuring accountability in the state’s law enforcement apparatus.
Throughout the course of the investigation, attention was still centered on maintaining the integrity of the police department and responding to any violations of conduct that contributed to illegal activity.
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