Bengaluru: The Karnataka government ordered a probe against DGP rank officer Ramachandra Rao in the gold smuggling case, involving his stepdaughter and Kannada actor Ranya Rao. The Siddaramaiah government in the state appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate Ramachandra Rao's role in the alleged misuse of protocols by Ranya Rao.
The order was issued on March 10. "ACS Gaurav Gupta has been appointed as the Investigating Officer to investigate the facts and circumstances leading to the availment of the protocol-related facilities and the role of the Director General of Police of the State, IPS cadre, Ramachandra Rao, Managing Director, Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Corporation in this case," the order stated.
Here Are The Latest Updates In The Case:
- Tarun Raju, the grandson of the owner of Atria Hotel was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) from Bengaluru in connection with the case, reported India Today citing sources.
- Ranya Rao allegedly used Ramachandra Rao's name and position as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation to gain unauthorised access.
- Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for possessing 14.8 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore.
- She was remanded to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) until March 10. After three days in custody, Ranya appeared before the Economic Offenses Court and accused DRI officials of mental harassment.
- The actor broke down in court, stating that whenever she stopped answering their questions, the DRI officials verbally abused her. She said, "I was verbally tortured and threatened. I am traumatised and emotionally broken."
- She also alleged to have been forced to sign documents against her will. "I am being pressurised and being forced to sign documents by authorities. Taken to unknown locations by authorities," said Ranya Rao.
- The Kannada actor denied being physically tortured after a viral photo of her with swollen eyes and bruises circulated on social media, sparking speculation that she might have been assaulted during or after her arrest at the airport. However, she attributed her condition to trauma and emotional distress.
- A special court in Bengaluru on Monday sent Ranya Rao to judicial custody for 14 days.
- Ranya Rao's bail application will be heard today.
- After Ranya Rao's arrest, the political blame game started in Karnataka as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the Kananada actor had links with a minister in the Siddaramaiah government. "Media reports about the involvement of a prominent minister in @siddaramaiah's government in one of the biggest gold heists in recent times come as no surprise—especially given this government's track record of churning out scandals in increasingly "innovative" ways!" BJP leader Vijayendra Yediyurappa tweeted.
Meanwhile, the Congress alleged that under the previous Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government, Ranya Rao was landed in 2023 by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board to set up a steel plant.
