Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, who is a high-ranking police officer in Karnataka, is being investigated for his alleged role in a gold smuggling case involving his daughter.
A special investigation team, led by senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, is looking into claims that Ramchandra Rao misused his power to support the smuggling operation. As part of the inquiry, officials have recorded his statement to understand his possible involvement in the case.
The investigation is moving forward at a fast pace. Authorities have set a strict deadline for the inquiry to be completed. The final report is expected to be submitted to the government within the next two days. Earlier, the government had directed the committee to finish its probe and present the findings within a week.
This case has gained a lot of public attention, and further updates are expected once the report is officially submitted.
DGP Ramachandra Rao Questioned in Gold Smuggling Case
Investigators have questioned DGP Ramachandra Rao regarding the gold smuggling case, just a day after his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao, had her bail hearing postponed by the Sessions Court.
For those unfamiliar with the case, DGP Ramachandra Rao, who is Ranya Rao’s stepfather, was placed on compulsory leave by the Karnataka State Government on March 16.
Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru International Airport in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case. Her bail petition was heard in the Sessions Court on March 17, but the hearing was adjourned to March 19. The court has instructed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to submit objections before the next hearing.
Meanwhile, her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, was interrogated today as part of the ongoing investigation. A special inquiry team, led by IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, recorded his statement, which is expected to be submitted to the government within two days. The Karnataka government had previously directed the committee to complete the investigation and present the final report within a week.
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Ranya Rao’s Bail Petition Adjourned
Kannada actress Ranya Rao remains in judicial custody for her alleged involvement in a gold smuggling case. She was arrested upon arrival from Dubai with 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore. During questioning, she admitted to smuggling the gold and revealed that she was instructed by an unknown caller. She also disclosed that she learned smuggling techniques through a YouTube video.
On March 17, the Sessions Court postponed her bail hearing to March 19. This development follows Ranya Rao’s serious allegations against the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials. In a petition sent from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, she claimed that she was physically assaulted, slapped multiple times, denied sleep, and deprived of food while in custody.
The court has now directed the investigating agency to respond to these allegations before the next hearing.
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DGP Ramachandra Rao Placed on Leave
DGP Ramachandra Rao was placed on compulsory leave on March 15, 2025, amid the ongoing gold smuggling investigation. He currently holds the position of Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
His name emerged in the case after a Protocol Officer, who had assisted actress Ranya Rao, allegedly informed investigators that he acted under direct instructions from Rao. This revelation has intensified the probe, leading to Rao’s interrogation as part of the investigation.
FAQs
Q.1. Why was Kannada actress Ranya Rao arrested?
Ans. Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai.
Q.2. What are the allegations against DGP Ramachandra Rao?
Ans. DGP Ramachandra Rao is accused of misusing his position to facilitate the smuggling operation. A Protocol Officer claimed he acted under Rao’s instructions.
Q.3. What is the current status of Ranya Rao’s bail plea?
Ans. The Sessions Court adjourned her bail plea to March 19, directing the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to submit objections before the hearing.
Q.4. What allegations did Ranya Rao make against DRI officials?
Ans. In a petition from jail, Ranya Rao claimed she was physically assaulted, slapped, denied sleep, and deprived of food while in DRI custody.
Q.5. When will the investigation report be submitted?
Ans. The inquiry team, led by IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, is expected to submit its findings to the government within two days.
