Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: Stepfather DGP Ramachandra Rao questioned by police

Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: Kannada actress Ranya Rao's stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, was questioned on Monday in the gold smuggling case. Ramachandra Rao was questioned based on allegations that his stepdaughter Ranya Rao misused his position to facilitate the smuggling operation.

Ramachandra Rao's statement was recorded as part of the probe. The DGP was questioned by an investigating team led by IAS officer Gaurav Gupta.

The government-directed probe is nearing completion, with a report expected within two days, reports India Today.

Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer DGP K Ramachandra Rao, is currently lodged in Parappana Agrahara jail.

DGP Ramchandra Rao sent on compulsory leave

Kannada actress Ranya Rao's stepfather, DGP Ramchandra Rao, had been sent on compulsory leave, on March 15.

"Sri. K.V. Sharath Chandra, IPS (KN-1997) Additional Director General of Police, Recruitment is placed in Concurrent Charge of the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Bengaluru with immediate effect and until further orders, Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao, IPS sent on compulsory leave," said a Karnataka government order issued on Saturday.

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-ranked police officer who, until recently, served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

Bail plea of Ranya Rao adjourned till March 19

The bail petition of Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been adjourned until March 19.

The case was heard on Monday in the CCH 64th Court, which has directed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to file its objections before the next hearing. Further proceedings will continue after the submission of objections.

A Special Court for Economic Offences had rejected Ranya Rao’s previous bail plea last week, citing the seriousness of the charges against her.

In a related development, the Karnataka High Court has extended its interim order preventing the DRI from arresting Rao's husband, Jatin Vijayakumar Hukkeri, in connection with the ongoing probe.

Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case

Karnataka actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after authorities seized 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from her possession.

Following her arrest, a raid at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery valued at ₹2.06 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore. Investigators suspect that she was part of a larger smuggling network.

A second accused in the case, hotelier Tarun Raju, has been remanded in judicial custody for 15 days as investigations continue.

Both Ranya Rao and Tarun Raju have been charged under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.