Ramchandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer in Karnataka and the father of gold smuggling accused Ranya Rao, was placed on compulsory leave on Saturday. The IPS officer presently holds the position of Managing Director at the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
Ranya Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru Airport on March 3 with 14.2 kg of gold valued at Rs 12.56 crore while coming back from Dubai. The Protocol Officer who aided the actor informed the investigating officers that he acted under direct orders from DGP Rao.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), conducting the investigation, notified the special court on Friday that the inquiry has revealed a “complex method” for smuggling gold, utilizing the State Police Protocol Officer to circumvent security, participating in hawala deals to send money from India to Dubai for gold acquisition, and the participation of a larger syndicate.
In reaction to his daughter’s arrest, the IPS officer had distanced himself from her behavior and expressed that he was a “heartbroken parent.”
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He stated that he was not aware of her supposed connection to smuggling operations, discovering her arrest solely via news, as she had been residing apart following her recent marriage.
However, the constable assigned to the Kempegowda Airport Police Station, acting as a protocol officer, informed DRI officials that he was simply obeying explicit orders from Ramachandra Rao. He stated that his responsibilities included ensuring the seamless arrival and departure of Ranya Rao according to directives from seniors.
On March 10, the Karnataka government appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate whether Ramachandra Rao had any role in the alleged gold smuggling activities involving his stepdaughter.
The government had also mandated a CID probe into the neglect of responsibility by the airport police officers. However, this was retracted within hours of issuing the order.
Ramachandra Rao’s professional life has been clouded by various controversies. In 2014, he was involved in a hawala scandal, charged with appropriating and misusing Rs 2.07 crore, resulting in his dismissal as Inspector General of Police for the Mysore range. He was subsequently interrogated by the CID regarding his purported role in a staged encounter case.
