Gold Smuggling / Ranya's father was forcibly sent on leave, police slapped him 10-15 times- actress alleges

Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation DGP Ramachandra Rao has been sent on compulsory leave. His stepdaughter and Kannada actress Ranya Rao is the prime accused in the gold smuggling case. The DRI had recovered gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from her at Bengaluru airport on March 3.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Mar 15, 2025, 11:12 PM
Gold Smuggling: A high-profile case related to gold smuggling in the state of Karnataka has taken a new turn. Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is the main accused in the case, father and DGP of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation Ramachandra Rao has been sent on compulsory leave. The state government has given additional charge to KV Sharat Chandra, Additional Director General of Police, Recruitment Department, as Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, Bengaluru with immediate effect.

What is the whole matter?

Ranya Rao, an actress of Kannada film industry and stepdaughter of Ramachandra Rao, has been accused of illegally bringing gold from Dubai. She was arrested by DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence) officials at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3. Gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from her. Subsequently, gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash worth Rs 2.67 crore were also recovered in a raid conducted at her residence.

Ranya's bail plea rejected

In this case, Ranya Rao had filed a bail application in the Economic Offences Court on Friday, which was rejected by the court. After this, on Saturday, he filed a bail plea in the Sessions Court. Given the seriousness of the case, the court can take a decision on it soon.

Serious allegations against DRI

Ranya Rao made serious allegations against DRI officials and said that she was forcibly made to sign some documents. She wrote a letter to the Additional Director General of DRI in Bengaluru stating that she has been implicated in a false case. In the letter, she claimed that on her return from Dubai, she was wrongly implicated for carrying more than 14 kg of gold.

Allegations of assault and threat

Ranya also alleged that the DRI officials assaulted her and slapped her repeatedly while she was in custody. She said, "I was slapped 10 to 15 times and threatened that if I did not sign the statement prepared by them, my father's name would be made public, while he is not connected to this case."

Government's strictness and political influence

The state government sending DGP Ramachandra Rao on forced leave shows the sensitivity of this case. There is also a discussion in political circles whether people in high positions are involved in this case or not.

Further action

Now all eyes are on the decision of the Sessions Court. If Ranya gets bail, then this case can become more complicated. On the other hand, if she does not get bail, then the investigating agencies will investigate this whole matter more deeply.

This case can create a big stir not only at the legal but also at the political and administrative level. It will be interesting to see in the coming days whether Ranya Rao will be able to get free from these allegations or not.