Did Ranya Rao’s IPS Stepfather Order VIP Protocol For Actor At Bengaluru Airport? Shocking Claim By Cop

The protocol officer who assisted Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested for gold smuggling, has claimed that Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao, the actor's stepfather, had explicitly instructed him to provide assistance to her at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport.

Basavaraj, a constable stationed at the Kempegowda Airport Police Station, stated that he was acting under direct orders from Ramachandra Rao.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/RanyaRao

His responsibilities included ensuring smooth arrivals and departures for Ranya Rao, as per instructions from senior officials.

According to Basavaraj, he received a call from Ranya Rao at 6:20 pm on the day of her arrest. She informed him of her arrival from Dubai and requested protocol assistance.

Basavaraj was present as Ranya was leaving the airport, shortly before she was apprehended by officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

On March 4, Basavaraj was questioned by DRI officials, who had issued him a summons following Ranya Rao's arrest. His statement was included in the remand application submitted to the court.

During the interrogation, Basavaraj denied any involvement in or knowledge of gold smuggling.

He maintained that his interactions with Ranya Rao were solely limited to protocol duties assigned by his superiors.

The constable acknowledged that he had known Ranya Rao for the past few years, clarifying that their acquaintance was entirely professional, arising from his role at the airport.

He mentioned that he had provided protocol assistance to her on approximately three to four occasions but could not recall the exact dates and times.

DRI officials conducted a seizure ('mahazar') of gold bars at the airport in Basavaraj's presence.

However, he insisted that he was unaware of Ranya Rao's alleged smuggling activities and had no involvement in the case.