BREAKING: Karnataka govt orders probe into IPS Ramachandra Rao's role in Ranya Rao gold smuggling case

The Karnataka government has launched an investigation into the alleged involvement of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case. The probe will also look into protocol violations by police personnel. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been assigned to examine possible lapses by officers who may have failed to follow regulations.  

According to reports, the airport police had issued a protocol clearance for actress Ranya Rao under the name of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao. This has raised serious questions about police involvement in the smuggling case. It is suspected that the misuse of protocol may have facilitated Ranya Rao's attempt to transport gold under police security.  

Taking the matter seriously, the Karnataka government has ordered a CID probe to investigate any dereliction of duty by police personnel. Along with this, a separate inquiry has been launched into the role of Ramachandra Rao. Senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta, who serves as the Additional Chief Secretary to the government, has been appointed to lead the probe. He has been directed to submit a detailed report on the case within a week.  

The case has put the state's law enforcement under scrutiny, as suspicions grow over possible high-level involvement in the smuggling racket. With the investigation underway, authorities are expected to take strict action against any officials found guilty of misconduct. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is also set to question Ramachandra Rao regarding the misuse of protocol clearance.  

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Ranya Rao had initially been involved in a photography business before launching the Xiroda company. She had also been associated with a steel business, which she later shut down due to financial losses. These business dealings are also being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.