File picture of DGP K. Ramachandra Rao.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
K. Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Police, Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation and stepfather of actor Ranya Rao, was sent on compulsory leave from Saturday.
A government order has given Additional Director-General of Police, Recruitment, K.V. Sharath Chandra, concurrent charge of chairman and managing director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after she was caught smuggling 14.2 kg of gold at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3.
The inquiry committee, headed by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta probing the misuse of police protocol services and the possible role of Mr. Ramachandra Rao in the case, began its investigation on Friday. The committee is learnt to have served a notice on Mr. Rao to appear before them to record his statement.
The investigating agencies have also questioned constables at the airport who helped Ranya and provided escort to pass through the green channel without checks.
Bail plea
Meanwhile, Ranya Rao approached the City Civil and Sessions Court for bail and the matter is likely to come up on Monday.
The Special Court for Economic Offences on Friday dismissed the bail petition of Ranya Rao. The DRI had objected to her bail plea, arguing that the case possibly involved an international smuggling syndicate and releasing her on bail may cause a setback to the probe as the other accused, yet to be identified, may close their trails and lead to destruction of evidence.
DRI officials, meanwhile, continued to probe her financial transactions and bank accounts and the companies she owned.
Sources said there was suspicion that Ranya Rao along with her husband and friends floated shell companies to cover up their illegal activities.
Published – March 15, 2025 08:57 pm IST