The Karnataka government has rescinded its directive for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe possible lapses and dereliction of duty by police officers at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru concerning the gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao.
The initial order, which was issued on Monday night, was withdrawn on Wednesday.
The latest directive cites an ongoing inquiry led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta into the possible role of Ranya's stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, a senior police officer holding the rank of Director General of Police (DGP), in the case.
Ramachandra Rao is presently serving as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged misuse of protocol-related privileges and ascertain Rao’s involvement in the incident.
The case came to light following the seizure of gold bars valued at Rs 12.56 crore from Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport.
Also read: Actor Ranya Rao seeks bail over DRI procedural lapses
Subsequently, officials conducted searches at her residence, leading to the recovery of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
Meanwhile, Ranya Rao’s legal team has raised concerns over procedural lapses by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) during her arrest.
Senior advocate Kiran Javali, appearing before a special court, contended that such irregularities make her eligible for conditional bail.
“We are not debating guilt or innocence, but investigators did not follow procedure. That alone warrants bail,” Javali stated.
He further argued that while an arrest memo was issued, officials failed to provide the ‘grounds of arrest,’ a violation of Supreme Court guidelines established in the D.K. Basu case.
Javali also contended that the DRI did not adhere to proper search procedures. These alleged lapses, he claimed, undermine the legality of the investigation against his client.
The case continues to generate widespread attention, given the high-profile individuals linked to it and the significant value of the smuggled gold.
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