Gold Smuggling Case: K'taka Government Places DGP Ramachandra Rao on Leave Amid Investigation
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government has placed DGP Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave amid an investigation into a gold smuggling case involving his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao, who is currently jailed. The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the misuse of protocol privileges linked to the case.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government places DGP Ramachandra Rao on leave.
- Investigation concerns gold smuggling case involving Ranya Rao.
- Ranya Rao allegedly misused her father's name for protocol privileges.
- Multiple agencies, including DRI and CBI, are investigating.
- Authorities seek a report on the matter within a week.
Bengaluru, March 15 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has placed jailed actress Ranya Rao's father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, on compulsory leave with immediate effect and until further notice in connection with a gold smuggling case.
DGP Rao was serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
Ranya Rao has been sent to jail due to the gold smuggling case.
The Karnataka government had assigned Gaurav Gupta, a senior IAS officer, as the Additional Chief Secretary, to initiate an investigation against DGP Ramachandra Rao.
DGP Rao is anticipated to be summoned by Gupta for questioning shortly.
Moreover, 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 ordered a probe into DGP K. Ramachandra Rao's involvement in the gold smuggling case.
The state government has requested a report within a week.
Actress Ranya Rao was arrested for gold smuggling and misusing her father's name to evade security checks by utilizing the protocol meant for high-ranking officials.
Gupta has been assigned to investigate the circumstances allowing Ranya Rao to access the protocol facility and her father's alleged role.
The order states: "In the past week, reports surfaced regarding the misuse of protocol by Ranya Rao to facilitate gold smuggling. It has been claimed that she exploited her father's position as a senior IPS officer and DGP to gain access to privileges intended for high-ranking officials."
The order further alleges that Ranya Rao used her father's name to bypass security and commit her crime.
The state government considers it essential to investigate Ramachandra Rao's role in facilitating Ranya Rao's access to protocol facilities at the airport, as noted in the order.
The Investigating Officer has been instructed to gather all necessary documents and aid from the State Police Chief and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
The DRI officials apprehended Ranya Rao after confiscating 14.8 kg of gold from her at Bengaluru International Airport.
The agency also seized Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her luxurious flat on Lavelle Road, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.
In response to the arrest of his stepdaughter, Ranya Rao, Karnataka DGP for State Police Housing Corporation, Ramachandra Rao, expressed that he was devastated and caught off guard by this situation.
Gold smuggling-accused actress Ranya Rao has claimed that DRI officials assaulted her during custody, insisting that she sign statements under duress that threatened to "expose" her stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao.
