Synopsis
The Karnataka government has placed jailed actress Ranya Rao's father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, on compulsory leave in connection with a gold smuggling investigation. This decision follows Ranya Rao's arrest related to the case, which involves multiple investigative agencies.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government places DGP K. Ramachandra Rao on leave.
- Investigation into Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case ongoing.
- Multiple agencies involved: DRI, CBI, and ED.
- Ranya Rao allegedly misused father's name for protocol.
- Reports of physical coercion during custody.
Bengaluru, March 15 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has placed jailed actress Ranya Rao's father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, on compulsory leave effective immediately and until further notice in relation to a gold smuggling case.
DGP Rao was holding the position of Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
Ranya Rao has been incarcerated due to her involvement in the gold smuggling incident.
The Karnataka government has appointed senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, the Additional Chief Secretary, to initiate an investigation forthwith against DGP Ramachandra Rao.
DGP Rao is anticipated to be summoned for questioning by Gupta at any moment.
Moreover, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are currently probing the case.
On March 11, the Karnataka government mandated an inquiry against jailed actress Ranya Rao's father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, linked to the gold smuggling case.
The state administration has requested a comprehensive report within a week.
Actress Rao was arrested on allegations of gold smuggling and misusing her father's name, Ramachandra Rao, to evade security checks by leveraging the protocol designated for high-ranking officials.
Gupta has been assigned to investigate the factors that allowed Ranya Rao to utilize the protocol facility and the involvement of her father in this matter.
The directive states: "In recent reports, it has come to light regarding the violation and misuse of protocol by Ranya Rao to facilitate gold smuggling. It is also noted that she exploited her father's name, a senior IPS officer and DGP and MD of Karnataka Housing Corporation Limited and Infrastructure Development Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, to gain access to protocol privileges reserved for high-ranking officials."
The order further accuses that Ranya Rao misused her father's identity to circumvent security checks and perpetrate the crime.
The state administration considers it essential to delve into Ramachandra Rao's involvement in allowing Ranya Rao to access the protocol facility at the airport, as stated in the order.
The Investigating Officer has also been instructed to gather all essential documents and assistance 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 Rs 2.06 crore in gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her upscale Lavelle Road residence, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.
Karnataka DGP for State Police Housing Corporation, Ramachandra Rao, in response to the news of his stepdaughter's arrest, expressed that he was devastated and caught off guard by the situation.
Gold smuggling-accused actress Ranya Rao has claimed that DRI officials physically assaulted her during custody and coerced her into signing statements under threats that they would "expose" her stepfather, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao.
