Ranya Rao's stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, sent on compulsory leave
What's the story
K Ramachandra Rao, the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation, has been sent on compulsory leave after his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao, was arrested recently.
The leave was ordered on March 15, 2025, by the Karnataka government, without citing any reasons.
Ranya was arrested from the Bengaluru airport earlier this month after officials found 14.2kg of gold in her possession.
Case details
Ranya Rao's arrest and subsequent investigation
Ranya Rao was arrested from Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from her.
The actress had reportedly tried to bring the gold into India by hiding it in her clothes and wearing too much.
After she was arrested, her house was raided and more gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and cash ₹2.67 crore was found.
Ongoing probes
Multiple agencies involved in gold smuggling investigation
Multiple agencies including the DRI, CBI, and ED are probing the gold smuggling case.
While the DRI is focusing on Ranya Rao's case, the CBI is investigating a broader smuggling network and its operators.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also joined the investigation, looking into potential money laundering activities associated with this operation.
Government inquiry
Karnataka government investigates misuse of VIP airport protocol privileges
The Karnataka government has ordered a probe into the alleged misuse of VIP airport protocol privileges by Ranya Rao.
The inquiry also extends to a probe into her stepfather's possible involvement in the gold smuggling case.
This follows a protocol officer who assisted Ranya at the airport claiming he acted under direct orders from DGP Ramachandra Rao.
Background
Ramachandra Rao's controversial career and alleged involvement
Ramachandra Rao's career itself has been steeped in controversy. He was earlier involved in a Hawala scandal, where he allegedly seized and misappropriated ₹2.07cr in 2014.
He was removed as Inspector General of Police for the Mysore range.
The Karnataka government has appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to find out if Ramachandra Rao had any role in Ranya's alleged gold smuggling.