The Karnataka government has launched a probe into DGP K Ramachandra Rao’s possible involvement in a high-profile gold smuggling case linked to his stepdaughter, Kannada actress Ranya Rao. On March 10, 2025, Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta was tasked with investigating Rao, currently the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation, after Ranya’s arrest on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 14.2 kg of gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from her, followed by Rs 2.06 crore in gold jewelry and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her Bengaluru home—totaling Rs 17.29 crore, one of KIA’s largest seizures.

The investigation centers on whether Rao’s position enabled Ranya to exploit VIP protocol services, bypassing security checks. Sources reveal she was escorted by a protocol officer and exited in a government vehicle, concealing gold in a belt across over 10 Gulf trips in 2025. Rao, distancing himself, expressed shock, claiming no knowledge of her actions since her marriage four months ago. Yet, his 2014 controversy over alleged fund misappropriation has fueled suspicion.

The case has exposed flaws in KIA’s VIP protocols, prompting Home Minister G Parameshwara to order a review on March 7, potentially barring family members of senior officials from such privileges. Ranya admitted to smuggling 17 gold bars but claimed she was “trapped,” sparking calls from BJP MLA Sunil Kumar for a deeper probe into mafia links.

While the DRI leads the smuggling investigation, Gupta’s inquiry will assess administrative lapses tied to Rao. With no direct evidence against him yet, the scandal has intensified demands for tighter airport security and accountability, shaking Karnataka’s political and police circles.