One new thing has surfaced in a Karnataka gold smuggling case. The protocol officer who had assisted Kanada actor Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling gold, made allegations that Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao, stepfather of actress Rao instructed him to provide assistance to her at Bengalaru Airport.
A constable named Basavaraj said that he was following instructions of Ramachandra Rao at Kempegowda Airport Police station. His duties involved ensuring smooth arrivals and departures for Ranya Rao as per senior officials’ instructions.
Basavaraj said that he received a call from Ranya Rao at 6.20 pm on the day of her arrest. She informed him of her arrival from Dubai and requested protocol assistance. Basavaraj was present when ranya was leaving the airport.
Basavaraj interrogated by DRI officials, who had issued him a summons following Ranya Rao’s arrest. His statement included in the remand application submitted to the court. Basavaraj denied any involvement in or knowledge of gold smuggling.
The constable admitted to knowing Ranya Rao for the past few years, explaining that their acquaintance was purely professional, stemming from his role at the airport. DRI officials conducted a seizure (mahazar) of gold bars at the airport in Basavaraj’s presence. He maintained that he was unaware of Ranya Rao’s alleged smuggling activities and had no connection to the case.