Karnataka: DGP sent on compulsory leave following step-daughter Ranya Rao's arrest in gold smuggling case

Bengaluru: Karnataka government has sent K Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Police, Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, on compulsory leave following the arrest of his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao, in a gold smuggling case.

Additional Director-General of Police (Recruitment) KV Sharath Chandra has been given concurrent charge of the corporation, according to a government circular.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Ranya on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold. Authorities suspect the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate, leading to intensified investigations.

A high-level inquiry committee led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta has been constituted to investigate the alleged misuse of police protocol services. The committee has issued a notice to Rao, seeking his statement regarding the case.

Additionally, police personnel, including constables who allegedly facilitated Ranya in bypassing security checks, have been questioned.

Meanwhile, the Special Court for Economic Offences has rejected Ranya's bail plea, citing concerns over her potential links to international smuggling networks. The DRI argued that granting bail could impede the ongoing probe. She has now approached the City Civil and Sessions Court for bail, with the hearing expected on Monday.

In a parallel development, the DRI has initiated financial investigations into Ranya's transactions, scrutinising her bank accounts and business dealings. Authorities suspect that she, along with her husband and associates, may have established shell companies to conceal illicit activities.