Karnataka Govt withdraws CID probe into Ranya Rao gold smuggling case

The Karnataka government on Wednesday withdrew an order permitting a CID probe into the state police's alleged misuse of privileges in the gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao. This came a day after the state government issued the directive.

The Siddaramaiah-led government on Tuesday ordered a CID investigation into the alleged involvement of the police in the misuse of official privileges and protocol benefits, over a week after Rao was caught with 14.2 kg of gold worth over Rs 12.86 crore at the Bengaluru airport.

However, the probe into the role of Ranya Rao's stepfather and Director General of Police (DGP) K Ramachandra



Rao, led by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Karnataka government, Gaurav Gupta, will continue.

K Ramachandra Rao is currently serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.

Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) upon her arrival in Bengaluru from Dubai. The gold bars were found strapped to Ranya Rao's body in a hidden waist belt on March 3.

Earlier today, a Bengaluru court reserved its decision on the bail plea of Ranya Rao in the case. The court is expected to pronounce its judgment on March 14.