Major action against film actress Ranya Rao’s stepfather for…., DGP K Ramachandra Rao sent to…

Ranya Rao's stepfather has been sent on a "compulsory leave" days after he was arrested in a gold smuggling case.

Bengaluru: The Stepfather of famous actress Ranya Rao, who is a senior police officer in Karnataka, has been ordered to take “compulsory leave” just days after his arrest in a gold smuggling case. Rao is currently serving as the Director General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation). The authorities issued the order against Rao on March 15. However, no specific reason has been provided in the order. Notably, Ranya was detained at the Bengaluru International Airport earlier this month when authorities discovered almost 15 kg of gold with her.

4 Dubai Trips In Two Weeks

The authorities were keeping an eye on Ranya and she had been under cops’ radar for some time. The suspicion grew after she visited Dubai in 15 days. She was nabbed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials on March 3. The officials seized gold worth over Rs 12.5 crore from her possession at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

The actress was allegedly trying to smuggle the yellow metal in India by wearing jewellery and hiding the rest in her attire.

Thorough Investigation

Following her arrest, authorities conducted a search of her residence, uncovering gold jewelry valued at more than Rs 2 crore and Indian currency totaling Rs 2.67 crore. Currently, three agencies are investigating various aspects of the case. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is examining allegations against Ranya, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is exploring the broader international smuggling network, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is focusing on the money laundering components of these cases.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged misuse of VIP airport protocol.

In his recent statement, K Ramachandra Rao stated that he was “shocked and devastated” to hear of the case.

“Like any other father, I was shocked and devastated when it came to my notice through the media. I was not aware of any of these things. I don’t want to say anything more,” Roa stated at the time of her stepdaughter’s arrest.

Further investigation into the case is underway.