Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: Karnataka Withdraws CID Probe Into Actress Gold Smuggling Case

The Karnataka government on Wednesday withdrew an order permitting a CID probe into the state police’s alleged misuse of privileges in the gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao. CID investigation into the alleged involvement of the police in the misuse of official privileges and protocol benefits, after Rao was caught with 14.2 kg of gold worth over Rs 12.86 crore at the Bengaluru airport on March 3.

A DGP-ranked police officer currently serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) upon her arrival in Bengaluru from Dubai.

Bengaluru court reserved its decision on the bail plea of Ranya Rao in the case. The court is expected to pronounce its judgment on March 14. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) told a Karnataka court that the protocol officer who helped Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling gold, dodge security checks at the airport received instructions from seniors.

The DRI has alleged that Ranya exploited VIP airport protocols meant for senior officials to bypass security checks. Investigators have claimed that a state protocol officer would go to the immigration and pick up the actor’s luggage for fast-track security clearance. The DRI further contended that the actor could flee the country and influence the witnesses if granted bail.

The DRI’s response came after senior advocate Kiran Javali, appearing for Ranya Rao, claimed that the agency did not state the “grounds of arrest” in violation of legal procedures. The Karnataka government has also launched a separate probe into whether Ranya’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, an IPS officer and current DGP, had any role in the incident.