The Karnataka government's move to suspend K. Ramachandra Rao, DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement), following the 'obscene' viral video, has put the spotlight on the gold smuggling case involving his daughter Ranya Rao.
Ranya is currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail after being arrested in a sensational gold smuggling case. Earlier, he was accused of helping his stepdaughter in the gold smuggling case. The state government then formed a special team led by a senior IAS officer to probe DGP Ramachandra Rao’s possible involvement.
When the gold smuggling case erupted, Ramachandra Rao was heading the Karnataka Police Housing Corporation, and he was sent on compulsory leave. Later, he was transferred as DGP of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE).
Though Rao has denied the footage, calling it "false and fabricated", the department has launched an investigation into the video. "This is a morphed video," he told reporters. He also added that the footage was eight years old and recorded at his office in Belagavi during an earlier posting. He stressed that the video was manipulated and that he was not aware if anyone had attempted to extort money from him by threatening to release it.
The video footage shows the DGP engaging in intimate acts, on separate occasions, with different women visiting the office, even while conducting official work.
An audio of Rao’s purported “romantic” telephonic conversation with a woman was also shared widely.
Senior BJP MLA and former law minister S. Suresh Kumar termed the alleged acts as "an unforgivable crime".
Citing the previous allegations against him, the Opposition leaders sought swift and strict action. The state government said the authenticity of the videos and audio clips will be verified and that further action will depend on the outcome of the inquiry.
Ranya Rao gold smuggling case
Kanada actress Ranya Rao was accused of allegedly smuggling 324 kg of gold into the country from Dubai last year. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) imposed a fine of Rs 271 crore on Ranya and three others accused in the case.
Ranya, who was arrested on March 3, will have to pay a fine of Rs 102 crore for smuggling 127 kg of gold.
The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA) has been invoked against Rao, which makes it ineligible for bail for a period of one year.
The case is under investigation by the DRI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).