Karnataka Government Launches Investigation into Ranya Rao's Alleged VIP Privilege Misuse in Gold Smuggling Case

The Karnataka government has initiated an investigation into actress Ranya Rao's alleged misuse of VIP airport privileges after her arrest in a gold smuggling case. The probe will also explore any involvement of her stepfather, Dr. K Ramachandra Rao, an IPS officer and the Director General of Police (DGP) in Karnataka.

Ranya Rao was detained by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly smuggling gold bars worth Rs 12 crore from Dubai to Bengaluru. She is accused of exploiting VIP airport privileges, intended for senior officials, to bypass security and facilitate the smuggling operation.

Reports suggest that Rao used her stepfather’s position as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation to gain unauthorized access to restricted airport areas. The state government has ordered an inquiry into how these privileges were granted and whether her stepfather played a role in this misuse.

The investigation will be overseen by Gaurav Gupta, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, with a final report expected within a week.

This case has sparked political controversy, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP accusing each other of misconduct. BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra criticized the Congress, claiming that the misuse of government protocols for gold smuggling couldn’t have occurred without political backing. He also warned that shielding those responsible could invite a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry.

State Home Minister G Parameshwara responded, saying the investigation is ongoing and no conclusions will be drawn until it concludes. Karnataka Minister MB Patil, in defense of Congress, pointed out that during the BJP-led government, 12 acres of land were allocated to a company associated with Ranya Rao.