No pressure to withdraw CID probe in Ranya Rao case, says Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara

The state government had initially ordered a CID investigation into possible lapses by police personnel at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

Published on: Mar 13, 2025, 16:00:17 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday clarified that there was no pressure on him to withdraw the CID probe into Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case.

Karnataka minister G Parameshwara. (PTI)

The state government had initially ordered a CID investigation into possible lapses by police personnel at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). However, within 24 hours, it withdrew the order, opting instead for a probe led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta under the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR).

(Also Read: Bengaluru civic body to bring private agencies for parking fee collection on 14 city roads: Report

According to news agency ANI, Parameshwara stated that he was the first to order the CID inquiry into protocol lapses when the case came to light. However, since Ranya’s stepfather, IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, was also under scrutiny, the Chief Minister’s Office directed the DPAR to take over.

(Also Read: Ranya Rao case: Everything looks fishy here, says BJP MLA Bharath Shetty)

"In the meantime, the Chief Minister’s Office also gave directions to the DPAR since he (Ramachandra Rao) is an IPS officer. So we decided not to have a parallel inquiry by our (police) department," Parameshwara told reporters.

Dismissing allegations of political pressure, he emphasized, "There was no pressure. No one asked for an inquiry, nor was there pressure to withdraw it. There is no confusion in the decision."

(Also Read: Bengaluru woman electrocuted while collecting water, faulty wiring sparks outrage)

Reacting to BJP’s claims that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attended Ranya Rao’s wedding, Parameshwara brushed it off, saying, “We go to thousands of weddings.”

Recently, officials at KIA seized gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from Ranya. Subsequent searches at her residence led to the recovery of ₹2.67 crore in cash and gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore.

(With agency inputs)

(Also Read: Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill passed in legislative council: Major reforms to reshape city administration)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.