Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: Friend who went to Dubai with her held, Karnataka court orders new probe in DGP's role

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has taken Tarun Kondaraju, a friend of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, into custody and presented him in court on Tuesday, according to ANI. Tarun Kondaraju, who had accompanied Ranya Rao to Dubai, was arrested in connection with the gold smuggling case. 

The Karnataka government has also launched an inquiry into Ranya Rao's alleged misuse of VIP airport protocol privileges. The probe will also examine whether her stepfather, Dr K Ramachandra Rao—an IPS officer and Director General of Police (DGP) in Karnataka— played any role in this. 

A PTI report said Karnataka's Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta has been appointed as the investigating office in the case and will probe the DGP's potential role. The Chief Minister's office confirmed Tuesday that the government had issued the appointment order on Monday night.

The government order said, "ACS Gaurav Gupta has been appointed as the Investigating Officer to investigate the facts and circumstances leading to the availment of the protocol related facilities and the role of the Director General of Police of the State, IPS cadre, Ramachandra Rao, Managing Director, Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Corporation in this case."

The Investigating Officer should commence the investigation immediately and submit the investigation report within one week, the order said.

The Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police (Head of Police Forces), and Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department have also been directed to provide all necessary documents and assistance for the said investigation.

Ranya Rao gold smuggling case

Gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore were seized from Harshvardhini Ranya, alias Ranya Rao, at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Subsequent searches at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore, officials said. 

Authorities have accused the Sandalwood actor of using her stepfather's name and position to gain unauthorised access to VIP airport privileges meant for senior officials and to bypass security checks.  

(With inputs from agencies)