Investigation Launched Against DGP Ramachandra Rao in Gold Smuggling Case Involving Ranya
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government has ordered an investigation into DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, the father of actress Ranya Rao, related to a gold smuggling case involving his daughter. Senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta is leading the inquiry, which seeks to uncover the misuse of protocol privileges. Ranya has been arrested for her alleged crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government orders probe into DGP Ramachandra Rao.
- Actress Ranya Rao arrested for gold smuggling.
- Investigation led by IAS officer Gaurav Gupta.
- Ranya allegedly misused father's name for protocol privileges.
- Special Court remands Ranya to custody until March 24.
Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka has initiated an investigation into DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, the father of imprisoned actress Ranya Rao, concerning the ongoing gold smuggling scandal.
The authorities have mandated a report within a week.
Actress Rao was apprehended for her alleged involvement in gold smuggling and for exploiting her father's name to evade security checks by utilizing the privileges afforded to high-ranking officials.
To conduct the investigation, the government has appointed Gaurav Gupta, a senior IAS officer and the Additional Chief Secretary, to commence the inquiry without delay.
Gupta is tasked with investigating the circumstances that allowed Ranya to benefit from the protocol facility and the involvement of her father in this matter.
The directive states: "Recent reports have surfaced regarding the misuse of protocol by Ranya Rao to facilitate gold smuggling. Allegations suggest she misused her father’s name, a senior IPS officer and DGP & MD of Karnataka Housing Corporation and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Ramachandra Rao, to gain access to protocol privileges reserved for high-ranking personnel."
The order further claims that Ranya Rao utilized her father’s identity to circumvent security checks and perpetrate the crime.
In light of this, the government considers it essential to investigate Ramachandra Rao's involvement in enabling Ranya Rao to access the protocol privileges at the airport, as outlined in the order.
The investigating officer has also been instructed to gather all relevant documents and seek assistance from the State Police Chief and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR).
The Special Court has placed Ranya Rao in judicial custody until March 24.
The issue was raised during the Legislative Session by the BJP, with allegations pointing to the involvement of two ministers.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara asserted that there is no connection between the state police department and the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case.
He stated that if there is any involvement of the state police, the CBI, which is currently investigating the case, will uncover it.
DRI officials arrested Ranya after confiscating 14.8 kg of gold at the Bengaluru International Airport.
The agency also seized gold valued at Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore from her luxury flat on Lavelle Road, where her rent reportedly stands at Rs 4.5 lakh.
In response to the arrest of his step-daughter, Ranya, Karnataka DGP for State Police Housing Corporation, Rao expressed that he was shocked and heartbroken by the turn of events.
