Gold Smuggling Investigation: Report on Ranya Rao's Stepfather Coming Soon
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Synopsis
A report on the alleged involvement of Ranya Rao's stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, in a gold smuggling case is expected soon. The investigation has revealed protocol violations and has drawn scrutiny on influential ministers supporting Ramachandra Rao's candidacy for police chief.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation into Ranya Rao's stepfather.
- Allegations of protocol violations during gold smuggling.
- Key ministers under scrutiny for their support of Ramachandra Rao.
- Ranya Rao detained for gold smuggling charges.
- DRI involved in the ongoing investigation.
Bengaluru, March 19 (NationPress) A report concerning the involvement of actress Ranya Rao's stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, in the gold smuggling incident is expected to be submitted shortly by a team led by Karnataka's Additional Chief Secretary, Gaurav Gupta, as per sources on Wednesday.
This investigation team, under the guidance of the senior IAS officer, has collected testimonies from 20 individuals, including immigration officials and protocol staff. The inquiry has revealed instances where protocol regulations were reportedly violated to favor Ranya Rao.
The team also conducted an interrogation of Ramachandra Rao, the former Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, who has been placed on indefinite compulsory leave, for over two hours concerning allegations of colluding with his stepdaughter in the gold smuggling case.
Sources indicate that the DGP has categorically denied all accusations against him, claiming no involvement in the matter.
Additionally, it has come to light that two prominent ministers from the Congress-led government, who had strongly advocated for Ramachandra Rao’s appointment as the state police chief, are now facing scrutiny.
As the current state police chief, Alok Mohan, is due to retire by the end of April, his successor was projected to be named by the first week of May. Sources noted that the two ministers were actively lobbying for Ramachandra Rao, pressuring Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to disregard the seniority of two other senior IPS officers.
Further sources revealed that Siddaramaiah had almost approved the suggestion. However, following the emergence of the gold smuggling allegations, he is reportedly dissatisfied with the ministers. With a cabinet reshuffle imminent, these ministers are now anxious about maintaining the Chief Minister's confidence.
Ranya Rao, who has been arrested on charges related to gold smuggling and allegedly misusing her stepfather's name to evade security checks by utilizing the protocol designated for high-ranking officials, is currently detained in the Bengaluru Central Jail. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are all involved in the investigation.
On March 11, the Karnataka government mandated a probe into Ramachandra Rao's connection with the gold smuggling case, requesting a report within a week.
Additional Chief Secretary Gupta has been assigned to scrutinize the circumstances under which Ranya Rao accessed the protocol facility and the involvement of her father in this matter.
The government order states: "Recent reports have surfaced regarding the violation and misuse of protocol by Ranya Rao to facilitate gold smuggling. It has also been indicated that she exploited her father's name, a senior IPS officer and DGP and MD of Karnataka Housing Corporation Ltd and Infrastructure Development Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, to gain access to protocol privileges granted to high-ranking officials."
The order further claims that Ranya Rao utilized her father's name to bypass security screenings.
The state administration has deemed it essential to investigate Ramachandra Rao's role in allowing Ranya Rao to benefit from the protocol facility at the airport, as indicated in the order.
The Investigating Officer has also been instructed to gather all necessary documentation and support from the State Police Chief and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
The DRI officials apprehended Ranya Rao after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her at the Bengaluru International Airport.
The agency confiscated gold valued at Rs 2.06 crores and Rs 2.67 crores in cash from her upscale Lavelle Road residence, where she reportedly paid a rent of Rs 4.5 lakhs.
In response to the situation, Ramachandra Rao expressed that he was devastated and caught off guard by these developments.
Ranya Rao has alleged that DRI officials physically assaulted her during custody, demanding that she sign statements under threats of exposing her stepfather.
