The Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government on Monday revoked the compulsory leave imposed on Director General of Police (DGP) K Ramachandra Rao and reassigned him as the DGP of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, according to a report by TOI.
Rao had been placed on compulsory leave starting March 15, days after his daughter, actress Harshavardhini Ranya—popularly known as Ranya Rao—was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with a gold smuggling case. At the time, the government did not specify reasons for Rao’s leave.
Ranya was caught at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) carrying 14.2 kilograms of gold and is currently lodged in the central prison at Parappana Agrahara. She is charged under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.
High-level probe ordered in gold smuggling case
In March, the chief minister ordered a thorough investigation into Rao’s involvement following reports that his daughter misused police protocol. The probe, led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, was tasked with examining allegations that the 31-year-old actress frequently used police escorts and official vehicles during her frequent overseas trips to Dubai.
On the day of her arrest on March 3, police personnel were reportedly waiting to escort Ranya from the airport, with an official vehicle standing by to take her home. The DRI seized 17 bars of gold strapped to her body. Officials grew suspicious after noting she had made roughly 30 trips to Dubai in recent weeks.
The investigation reflects growing concerns over the state police allegedly enabling illegal activities by providing escorts and vehicles to influential individuals.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since launched its own inquiry into the gold smuggling racket, probing potential political connections. The DRI has also arrested Tarun Raju, grandson of a prominent Bengaluru businessman, accused of facilitating the gold purchases in Dubai for Ranya.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra described the case as unprecedented, highlighting the scale of the smuggling operation and the involvement of a senior IPS officer’s family member.
Rao had been placed on compulsory leave starting March 15, days after his daughter, actress Harshavardhini Ranya—popularly known as Ranya Rao—was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with a gold smuggling case. At the time, the government did not specify reasons for Rao’s leave.
Ranya was caught at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) carrying 14.2 kilograms of gold and is currently lodged in the central prison at Parappana Agrahara. She is charged under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.
High-level probe ordered in gold smuggling case
In March, the chief minister ordered a thorough investigation into Rao’s involvement following reports that his daughter misused police protocol. The probe, led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, was tasked with examining allegations that the 31-year-old actress frequently used police escorts and official vehicles during her frequent overseas trips to Dubai.
On the day of her arrest on March 3, police personnel were reportedly waiting to escort Ranya from the airport, with an official vehicle standing by to take her home. The DRI seized 17 bars of gold strapped to her body. Officials grew suspicious after noting she had made roughly 30 trips to Dubai in recent weeks.
The investigation reflects growing concerns over the state police allegedly enabling illegal activities by providing escorts and vehicles to influential individuals.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since launched its own inquiry into the gold smuggling racket, probing potential political connections. The DRI has also arrested Tarun Raju, grandson of a prominent Bengaluru businessman, accused of facilitating the gold purchases in Dubai for Ranya.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra described the case as unprecedented, highlighting the scale of the smuggling operation and the involvement of a senior IPS officer’s family member.
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