New Delhi (13) – The Karnataka government has officially cancelled the order for a CID investigation into the gold smuggling case of Kannada actress Ranya Rao. The order given to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate the on duty police officers at Kempegowda International Airport has been withdrawn. In which the CID officers were to investigate whether the police at the airport had committed any negligence or wrongdoing in the performance of their duties.The government has now withdrawn this order, and in this regard, Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta will now investigate whether Ranya’s stepfather K. Ramachandra Rao (DGP) has any role in this. Gaurav Gupta will check the allegations and facts made against K. Ramachandra Rao. This investigation is likely to reveal whether Rao has abused his position and violated safety regulations.In a statement, Rao explained, “I am deeply shocked by this incident. Words cannot express the pain that has been felt by me and my family. This is a very difficult time for my family, and we are struggling to cope. If the law has been violated by Ranya, the law will take its course.” K. Ramachandra Rao is currently serving as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation. Ranya was caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport by DRI officials. The metal detector detected that Ranya was carrying gold. Ranya claimed that she had nothing. Gold worth Rs 12.56 crore was seized from Ranya Rao at the airport. Ranya could not provide receipts or other evidence of the purchase of gold in that regard.After this incident, DRI officials raided her house and seized gold chips worth Rs 12.56 crore, gold ornaments worth Rs 2.6 crore, and Indian currency worth Rs 2.67 crore.As soon as Ranya Rao’s case came to light, Ranya’s husband, Jatin Hukkeri, sought interim relief from the Karnataka High Court, anticipating possible arrest. The court has granted him protection from arrest for the time being.The Bengaluru Economic Court has reserved Ranya’s bail application. The court may give its verdict on March 14. Senior advocate Kiran Javali, representing Ranya Rao, accused the DRI of not following due legal procedures during her arrest and interrogation of his client. The reasons for the arrest were not clearly mentioned in the arrest memo of Ranya Rao. Therefore, such procedural lapses lead to a bailable warrant even though the charges are serious.However, while rejecting the argument made by Rao’s lawyer, the lawyers appearing for the DRI emphasized the seriousness of the charges. On the contrary, they argued that granting bail to the accused could hamper further investigation. Evidence could be destroyed, or witnesses could be threatend.Ranya Rao has also accused the DRI officials of abusing her when she wavered after being asked some questions during interrogation. She has also alleged that she was forced to sign some documents without consulting her lawyers.DRI officials have refused all the allegations made by Ranya Rao and they explain that all allegations baseless and have confirmed that all the processes were carried out in a legal manner and without any breach of respect.Ranya Rao’s close young friend Raju has also been detained by the DRI on suspicion of being involved in gold smuggling. The court has remanded him in DRI custody for five days.
Dr. Anupriya Gaikwad
For True to Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.