Bengaluru: A preliminary investigation led by senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta has uncovered that police personnel at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) allegedly assisted gold-smuggling suspect Ranya Rao in bypassing customs checks by misusing official protocols. However, the probe is yet to confirm whether the officers acted independently or were following orders.

Findings indicate that police vehicles were used on at least one occasion to transport Ranya from the airport. Additionally, records reveal she frequently traveled in and out of Bengaluru, making several same-day round trips.

Gupta’s inquiry has also raised questions about DGP K Ramachandra Rao, Ranya’s stepfather. He allegedly instructed a head constable, Basappa Billur alias Basavaraj, to extend protocol services to his family. On March 3, when Ranya was arrested, Basavaraj was present at the airport, reportedly assisting her.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) discovered that Ranya arrived from Dubai carrying 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore. Following the controversy, the Karnataka government placed DGP Rao on mandatory leave, replacing him with KV Sharath Chandra.

In response, Rao stated that his reputation and family’s future were being unfairly maligned. He maintained he had no knowledge of Ranya’s activities and sought fairness in judgment. Gupta is expected to submit his final report soon.

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