Karnataka cop who helped Ranya Rao, got orders from seniors, DRI tells court: Report

Ranya Rao was arrested by the DRI on March 3 upon her arrival at the Bengaluru Airport, and gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore were seized from her.

Published on: Mar 12, 2025, 21:34:41 IST

By HT News Desk

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A protocol officer who allegedly helped Kannada actor Ranya Rao dodge security checks at the Bengaluru airport, received instruction from the seniors, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) told a Bengaluru special court on Wednesday.

The court reserved its decision on the bail plea of Ranya Rao, who was arrested with gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore on March 3. The court is expected to pronounce its judgment on March 14.

According to an India Today report, Rao allegedly exploited VIP protocols meant for senior officials to bypass security checks.

ALSO READ: Ranya Rao stashed gold in shoes, lied to authorities; metal detector caught her: Report

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested over alleged gold smuggling on March 3 while returning from Dubai (YouTube/ Anand Audio)

The investigators claimed that a state protocol officer would go to the immigration counter, pick up her luggage for fast-track security clearance to enable Rao to skip frisking at the airport after landing.

India Today cannot independently verify the information.

DRI's counsel, special public prosecutor (SPP) Madhu Rao told the court that the police officer admitted before DRI investigators that they provided the protocol based on the instructions from the department.

The Karnataka government has already appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to probe the role of DGP rank officer K Ramachandra Rao, the stepfather of Ranya Rao.

The government also ordered a CID investigation into alleged lapses and dereliction of duty of police officers at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru, PTI reported.

ALSO READ: What Ranya Rao revealed in her ‘confession’: 17 gold bars, trips to Middle East

‘Ranya Rao exited airport with help of protocol officer’: DRI to court

According to the India Today report, the DRI counsel opposed Rao's bail plea, terming the “evasion of customs duty exceeding ₹50 lakh” as a serious offence.

The DRI counsel claimed that the Kannada actor exited the airport through the ‘Green Channel’ with the help of the protocol officer, instead of the ‘Red Channel’.

Rao alleged that the actor hid the gold bars in her jeans, waist, and shoes, and even taped them to her thigh using a medical bandage.

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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

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