2014 Cash Seizure Controversy Returns to Haunt Ranya Rao's Father

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, was detained at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Monday for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold valued at several crores. The arrest occurred when she arrived on an Emirates flight, conducted by officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Officials revealed that Rao had been under scrutiny due to her frequent trips between Dubai and India. Investigators believe she used her connections to evade security checks during her travels.

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, a senior police officer serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Following the gold smuggling allegations, he issued a statement distancing himself from her activities, asserting that he is not involved in her actions.

K Ramachandra Rao's Controversial History:

Despite K Ramachandra Rao's denial of any connections to his stepdaughter's actions, his career has faced scrutiny due to previous controversies. He was appointed Director General of Police (DGP) in October 2023 and previously held the position of Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Southern Range.

During his tenure as IGP, he became associated with a high-profile cash seizure incident from 2014, where police intercepted a private bus headed to Calicut, Kerala, near Yelwal, Mysuru. While law enforcement reported seizing ₹20 lakh in cash, the merchants transporting the money claimed the actual amount was ₹2.27 crore. Allegations emerged suggesting police collusion with a businessman to divert a large portion of the funds.

A Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into the matter uncovered procedural irregularities in how the case was managed. A senior officer indicated that multiple police personnel under Rao's command were implicated in the alleged misappropriation. Although he asserted his non-involvement, he faced reassignment following these allegations.

Authorities are continuing to investigate Ranya Rao's alleged involvement in gold smuggling, and further developments are anticipated.