Probe ordered against DGP Rao in smuggling case

Bengaluru

The Karnataka government has appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate the role of DGP-rank officer K. Ramachandra Rao in the gold smuggling case involving his stepdaughter and Kannada actress Ranya Rao.

A government order issued on Monday night directs Gupta to examine whether Rao misused his position to extend protocol facilities to Ranya, helping her bypass airport checks. Rao is currently the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.

The CID, Bengaluru, has also been asked to probe whether state police officials failed in their duty during Ranya's foreign trips.

Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, for smuggling gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai. Searches at her residence led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.

The government has ordered Gupta to submit a report within one week. Senior police officials have been asked to assist the investigation.

Meanwhile, Tarun Raju, grandson of Atria Hotel’s owner, has also been arrested for alleged involvement in the racket. Officials believe Ranya and Raju worked together to smuggle gold from abroad, despite reported differences after Ranya’s marriage.