Kannada Actress Ranya Rao's Gold Smuggling Saga Takes New Turn with Father's Viral Video
Kannada actress Ranya Rao captured public attention last year following a major gold smuggling incident. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence arrested her at Bengaluru airport after she arrived from Dubai. Officers discovered she carried 14.8 kilograms of gold hidden on her body and within her clothing.
Arrest and Immediate Consequences
Authorities took Ranya into custody immediately that night. She gained recognition through the Kannada film Manikya and several other South Indian productions. Following her arrest, officials sent her to Bengaluru Central Jail.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence imposed a substantial fine of Rs 102 crore on the actress. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. A court sentenced her to one year in prison, where she remains currently.
Fresh Controversy Emerges with Viral Video
Now a new controversy has erupted around Ranya's family. Reports from News 18 indicate a video circulating widely on social media platforms. This video allegedly shows Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank IPS officer, engaging in intimate moments with women inside his official office.
The footage reportedly depicts the officer hugging and kissing women while wearing his uniform during regular office hours. Different women appear in the video visiting his chamber on various days wearing different outfits.
Public Outcry and Government Response
The viral video has sparked serious questions about discipline and appropriate behavior within government offices. Many citizens express concern that such actions inside an official workplace are improper and unacceptable, even without allegations of force.
The issue reached Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who received a briefing about the situation. According to PTI reports, the Chief Minister appeared upset after viewing the video footage. He ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
"We will investigate this matter and take disciplinary action. No one is above the law," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated firmly.
Following this directive, authorities suspended Ramachandra Rao from his service position.
Officer's Defense and Denial
The IPS officer has strongly denied all allegations against him. "I am shocked, and the videos are fabricated. I will meet an advocate and file a case against those spreading false news," Ramachandra Rao declared.
He attempted to meet with the Home Minister to present his side of the story but returned without achieving the meeting.
Details of the Gold Smuggling Operation
Returning to the smuggling case, investigators revealed specific details about Ranya's activities. When officers apprehended her, they found gold jewelry concealed on her body. She had also hidden gold bars within her clothing.
During questioning, Ranya admitted to carrying seventeen gold bars total. From her residence, officials recovered gold jewelry valued at approximately Rs 2 crore along with more than Rs 2.5 crore in cash.
Investigators disclosed that Ranya traveled to Dubai thirty times within a single year. In just the fifteen days preceding her arrest, she made four separate trips to Dubai. Authorities believe she brought gold into India on multiple occasions through this pattern.
Officials seized assets worth Rs 34 crore connected to the case, including:
- Two houses located in Bengaluru
- An industrial plot of land
- Agricultural property
Family Connections Revealed
The investigation further revealed that Ramachandra Rao, the suspended DGP-rank officer, serves as Ranya's stepfather. According to officials, Ranya frequently informed airport police that she was an IPS officer's daughter. She would then request that they drop her home from the airport.
This complex case continues to develop with both legal proceedings and public scrutiny affecting multiple family members involved in separate but connected controversies.
