The Karnataka government has withdrawn its directive ordering a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the alleged misuse of protocol by police officers in the high-profile gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao. This decision comes amid swirling rumours linking two Karnataka ministers to the smuggling racket, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
Background of the Case
On March 3, Ranya Rao was apprehended by the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at the Bengaluru International Airport with 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.86 crore. Subsequent raids at her upscale residence on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru uncovered additional gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. The case took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Rao had made at least 27 trips to Dubai and the United States in the past six months, sparking suspicions of her involvement in an international smuggling syndicate.
Withdrawal of CID Probe
The Karnataka Home Department defended its decision to withdraw the CID probe, citing “redundancy” due to an ongoing inquiry led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta. Gupta has been tasked with investigating the potential involvement of Ranya Rao’s stepfather, K. Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer currently serving as the managing director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
The withdrawal of the CID probe has raised eyebrows, especially as head constable Basavaraj from the airport police station, who is being interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), claimed he had received “oral orders” from senior IPS officers to escort Ranya Rao. This revelation has intensified scrutiny over the role of high-ranking officials in the case.
Political Fallout and BJP’s Demands
The case has taken a political turn, with BJP leaders demanding that the Congress-led Karnataka government reveal the names of the ministers allegedly linked to Ranya Rao and the smuggling racket. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar dismissed these claims, stating that no minister would support such criminal activities. He challenged the BJP to provide evidence and names of the ministers involved.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Plea
Ranya Rao was produced before a special court for financial offences and has been remanded to judicial custody until March 18. The Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru has reserved its decision on her bail plea, with the next hearing scheduled for March 14. While her counsel argued procedural lapses in her arrest, the DRI opposed the bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential hindrance to the investigation.
Questions for the Siddaramaiah Government
The Karnataka government’s decision to appoint an IAS officer instead of the CID to probe the misuse of airport protocol has sparked criticism. The involvement of a senior IPS officer in a case that threatens national security has left the Siddaramaiah government with tough questions to answer. Critics argue that the withdrawal of the CID probe and the reliance on an administrative inquiry could undermine the credibility of the investigation.
Broader Implications
The case highlights systemic issues in the handling of high-profile investigations involving powerful individuals. The allegations of misuse of protocol by police officers and the potential involvement of senior IPS officers and ministers have cast a shadow over the state’s law enforcement and governance.
