Synopsis
The Karnataka government has canceled its CID investigation into actress Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case, igniting controversy. The decision follows initial findings of protocol violations by police and allegations of political involvement.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government retracts CID inquiry
- Actress Ranya Rao implicated in gold smuggling
- Investigations focus on police protocol violations
- Political figures linked to the case
- DRI cites national security concerns
Bengaluru, March 13 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has officially rescinded its order for a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into the gold smuggling scandal involving actress Ranya Rao. This unexpected decision is likely to ignite controversy.
Initially, the state government ordered a CID inquiry, citing violations of protocol by law enforcement. Reports indicated that certain constables were implicated in these breaches, prompting authorities to assign the CID to investigate. However, the government’s abrupt retraction of this order has led to rampant speculation.
The recent directive states: “On March 10, the government mandated a CID investigation into the lapses of police officers concerning foreign travels undertaken by Ranya Rao. Furthermore, a probe was mandated to be led by Gaurav Gupta, a senior IAS officer and Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka. Gupta has been tasked with examining Ranya Rao's use of protocol privileges and the role of DGP (Police Housing Corporation) K. Ramachandra Rao. He is required to submit his findings within a week.
“Given that the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) has already delegated a senior officer for this investigation, it has been decided to retract the CID inquiry.”
This order was issued by H. Mahalaxmi, Under Secretary, Internal Department (Crimes).
In the meantime, the Karnataka Home Department has initiated an inquiry into the protocol privileges granted to the actress at the airport. Authorities are expected to provide a report within a week. This investigation will also assess whether IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, Ranya Rao's stepfather, was involved in the gold smuggling operation and whether he misused his protocol privileges while transporting gold from Dubai to Bengaluru, according to sources.
It has been alleged that Ranya Rao exploited IPS officer Ramachandra Rao’s name during the gold smuggling. Officials are looking into the circumstances surrounding the misuse of protocol privileges and the officer’s involvement in the case.
The gold smuggling case linked to Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao has taken on a political dimension, with influential political figures' names surfacing in association with the controversy. This development has spurred extensive discussions in political circles across the state, raising questions about the identity of the prominent politician purportedly supporting her.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) informed the court on Wednesday that the gold smuggling case involving Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer of DGP rank, has international and hawala ties, categorizing it as a matter of national security.
Senior counsel Madhu Rao, representing the DRI, opposed Ranya Rao’s bail petition in court, highlighting the necessity of investigating the involvement of a smuggling syndicate. The court has reserved the matter for judgment.
Ranya Rao was apprehended last Monday by DRI officials for smuggling gold upon her arrival at Bengaluru International Airport. Under pressure, the state government has mandated two independent investigations to ascertain the role of actress Ranya Rao's father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, in providing her with protocol privileges and police escorts.
Central agencies, including the CBI and DRI, are also investigating the case. The actress was detained by DRI agents at the airport.
