Police at Bengaluru airport helped Ranya with protocol: Probe

Police officials posted at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport helped gold-smuggling suspect Ranya Rao pass through the customs’ green channel using official protocol, according to preliminary findings of a probe led by senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta. 

However, the probe is yet to establish whether police officials acted on their own or at someone's behest. It was also found that there was at least one occasion when police vehicles had picked up Ranya from the airport. 

The new revelations in the sensational case that has gripped public imagination came on a day Gupta questioned Ranya's stepfather DGP K Ramachandra Rao about his role in facilitating the protocol extended to the Kannada actor. 

Two top sources in the state government confirmed these findings to DH. One of them also confirmed that Rao was questioned on Monday. 

"The suspect [Ranya] had made several daily trips from the KIA, leaving in the morning and returning the same day," a top source revealed.

However, it is yet to be ascertained to what extent DGP Rao knew about Ranya’s movements, the source added. "What is clear is that he had called the constable and asked him to extend the protocol to her. These findings require further corroboration, and the probe is ongoing." 

Gupta is expected to submit his report to the government in the next few days. 

On March 15, the government sent Rao on compulsory leave, replacing him with KV Sharath Chandra as Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. 

Ranya, 33, was arrested on March 3 after she flew into Bengaluru from Dubai. According to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she was found carrying 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore on her person. 

As soon as the news broke that Ranya was related to him, the DGP distanced himself from the case. 

Rao was promoted to the DGP in 2023 and is set to superannuate in May 2026. 

In a statement after a few days of Ranya's arrest, Rao said: "It is deeply distressing that despite this lifelong dedication, my reputation and family's future are now being tarnished by something beyond our control. 

"I understand that in speculative times like these, my years of hard work may be unfairly associated with these events. I ask all of you to recognise that I too am a grieving parent. I had no knowledge of such an unimaginable situation unfolding in my life. I respectfully ask from everyone, fairness towards both myself and my family." 

DRI investigations also revealed that Rao had directed Basappa Billur alias Basavaraj, a head constable posted at the airport police station, to extend the protocol to his family. On the day of Ranya's arrest, Basavaraj accompanied her at the airport. 

"He [Basavaraj] was asked by his senior Ramachandra Rao (DGP) to assist his family members and relatives by extending protocol during their arrival and departure," according to his statement to the DRI on March 4. 

Murky details According to probe led by IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, police officials posted at KIA helped Ranya pass through the customs’ green channel using official protocol It was also found that there was at least one occasion when police vehicles had picked up Ranya from the airport However, the probe is yet to establish whether police officials acted on their own or at someone's behest  Two top sources in the state government confirmed the findings to DH.