DGP K Ramachandra Rao, step-father of the prime accused in the Bengaluru gold smuggling case Ranya Rao, was questioned on Monday by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta and his team, assisted by CID DIG Vamsi Krishna.
The state government appointed Gupta on March 10 to probe the misuse of protocol privileges and Rao’s role in the case. Ranya allegedly exploited the privileges granted to Rao to bypass airport security checks and smuggle gold.
On March 15, the government ordered Rao, who serves as the MD of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation, to go on compulsory leave.
Bail Hearing Updates
The hearing of Ranya Rao’s fresh bail petition was adjourned to March 19. The sessions court directed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) counsel to file objections by the next hearing. Earlier, the Special Court for Economic Offences had dismissed Ranya’s bail plea on March 14.
Also Read: Ranya Rao says she was tortured in custody but had told the judge this
Ranya’s associate, Tarun Konduru Raju, also filed a bail petition. Arrested by DRI officials on March 9, Raju was remanded to five days’ custody. His bail hearing was adjourned to Tuesday by the Special Court for Economic Offences.
No Update from Centre
During a Council session, MLCs sought a response from Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara regarding the gold smuggling case. Parameshwara stated that the Centre had not shared any information with the state government, leaving him unable to comment on the issue.
