The Karnataka government has initiated a high-level investigation into the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao. The probe will focus on alleged protocol violations at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and the possible role of her stepfather, K. Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation). The investigation has been assigned to senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been directed to examine potential lapses by police personnel.
Government Orders Parallel Investigations
In a major development, the government has issued two separate orders on March 10, 2025, calling for parallel investigations into the case:
-
Senior IAS Officer to Probe Protocol Violations: Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, has been appointed to investigate how Ranya Rao allegedly misused airport protocol privileges to smuggle gold.
-
CID to Investigate Police Lapses: The CID has been tasked with probing any negligence or dereliction of duty by airport security personnel.
Both investigations are expected to be completed within a week, with reports to be submitted for further legal proceedings.
Gold Smuggling Scandal: How Ranya Rao Was Caught
Actress Ranya Rao, known for her debut in the 2014 Kannada film "Maanikya", was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3, 2025, after she was found carrying 14.2 kg of gold bars worth ₹12.5 crore in her luggage upon arrival from Dubai.
Following intelligence inputs from the DRI, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also launched an independent probe into the case, suspecting an international gold smuggling racket.
Alleged Misuse of VIP Protocol at Bengaluru Airport
The government order cites media reports claiming that Ranya Rao exploited VIP privileges at the airport to bypass security checks. She allegedly accessed these privileges by using her stepfather's name, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, who holds a senior position in the Karnataka police.
Key allegations include:
-
Bypassing security checks through a protocol facility meant for high-ranking police officials.
-
Frequent trips to Dubai, allegedly linked to repeated smuggling activities.
-
Possible police collusion, with officers allegedly assisting her movements at the airport.
The Karnataka government considers these allegations serious and has ordered a thorough probe into the misuse of government protocols.
Arrests and Expanding Investigation
- Actor’s Friend Arrested for Role in Smuggling Operation
The investigation has widened after authorities arrested Tarun Konduraju, a businessman from a prominent Bengaluru family, who traveled with Ranya Rao to Dubai. He was produced in court and taken into custody for further interrogation.
- Hotelier’s Grandson Arrested for Alleged Involvement
Authorities also arrested Tarun Raju, grandson of the owner of Bengaluru’s Atria Hotel. According to sources:
-
He had direct ties with Ranya Rao and was allegedly involved in gold smuggling operations.
-
Investigators discovered he was in contact with Ranya during the smuggling trip, leading to his arrest.
-
The Special Economic Offences Court granted five days of DRI custody for questioning.
Reports suggest that despite Ranya’s marriage to architect Jatin Hukkeri in 2024, she maintained her connection with Tarun Raju, possibly continuing illicit activities.
DGP Ramachandra Rao Reacts to Stepdaughter’s Arrest
DGP K. Ramachandra Rao has distanced himself from the case, expressing shock and disappointment over Ranya Rao’s arrest. In a statement, he said:
"No words can truly express my shock, pain, and devastation. This is an extremely difficult time for my family and me. If there is any violation of the law, the law will take its course."
He also clarified that Ranya had distanced herself from the family after her marriage and had not maintained contact.
Political Blame Game Erupts Over the Case
The case has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties targeting each other:
-
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Ranya Rao sought help from two Congress ministers to evade arrest.
-
The ruling Congress countered, claiming that under the BJP-led Basavaraj Bommai government, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) had allotted land to Ranya Rao in 2023 for a steel plant.
With allegations flying from both sides, the case has taken a political turn, further intensifying the scrutiny.
Ranya Rao’s Allegations of Verbal Abuse by DRI Officials
During a court hearing on March 10, 2025, Ranya Rao accused DRI officials of verbal abuse and intimidation during her interrogation. She told the judge:
-
"They didn’t hit me, but they verbally abused me badly, causing severe mental distress."
-
"If I don’t respond, they threaten me, saying, ‘You know what will happen if you don’t speak.’"
The investigating officer (IO) denied these allegations, stating:
-
"She refuses to answer questions. Every time we ask something, she remains silent."
-
"We have video recordings of the investigation, proving that no abuse took place."
The judge questioned Ranya’s legal team about their failure to file a formal complaint if she had been mistreated.
Extent of Ranya Rao’s Smuggling Operations
Investigators have uncovered shocking details about Ranya Rao’s smuggling activities:
-
She traveled to Dubai nearly 30 times in the past year, with four trips in just 15 days before her arrest.
-
She partially confessed to smuggling gold and disclosed her extensive travel history to the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
-
DRI officials seized gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore from her residence.
Despite her claims of cooperation, authorities believe she has been withholding crucial information.
What Happens Next?
With multiple agencies—DRI, CBI, CID, and senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta—conducting independent investigations, the case remains complex. The Karnataka government has made it clear that no one will be spared if found guilty.
As the probe deepens, the following aspects will be closely examined:
-
Was DGP Ramachandra Rao involved in facilitating protocol misuse?
-
Did airport officials deliberately ignore security lapses?
-
Were there political connections influencing the case?
-
Is Ranya Rao part of a larger international smuggling network?
With gold smuggling cases on the rise in India, this case could set a precedent for cracking down on VIP misuse of security privileges. The government is expected to take strict action based on the findings of the investigation.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
