Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation Director General of Police (DGP) Ramachandra Rao expressed shock and devastation upon learning of the arrest of his stepdaughter, Ranya Rao, for her alleged involvement in gold smuggling. Ranya was apprehended on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru after arriving from Dubai on an Emirates flight. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) acted on a tip-off and stationed a team at the airport, taking her into custody immediately upon her arrival.
In an interview with media on Wednesday, DGP Rao sought to distance himself from the incident, stating, “The law will do its job. There is no black mark on my career.” He further emphasized that he was unaware of Ranya’s alleged involvement in smuggling activities, which he first learned of through media reports. “I was also shocked and devastated when such an incident came to my notice through the media. I was not aware of any of these things, like any other father I was also shocked. She is not living with us, she is living separately with her husband, there must be some problem between them due to some family issues,” he said.
Ranya Rao, an actress known for roles in films like Maanikya and Pataki, was arrested by the DRI after being found with 14.8 kilograms of gold, which authorities suspect was intended for smuggling into India. During questioning, she claimed her visit to Dubai was for business purposes.
The Karnataka government assured that the law will take its course, with Congress MLA AS Ponnanna stating that no one, regardless of their connections, would receive special treatment. “She has been accused of smuggling, and the law will take its course — whether she is the daughter of the DGP, the Chief Minister, or the Prime Minister,” Ponnanna said.
On March 4, Ranya was produced before a special court for financial offences and remanded to judicial custody until March 18, 2025. She was also subjected to a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru before being transferred to custody. Investigations into the case are ongoing.