Ranya Rao's Stepfather, Karnataka DGP, Sent on 'Compulsory Leave' With Immediate Effect

Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: In a significant move, the Karnataka State Government has placed Director General of Police (DGP) Ramchandra Rao, the stepfather of actress Ranya Rao, has been sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect. KV Sharath Chandra, the Additional Director General of Police (Recruitment), has been appointed as the Chairman & Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Bengaluru, a role previously held by Rao's stepfather.

Actress Alleges Custodial Torture, Claims Physical Assault and Coercion

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, arrested last week at Bengaluru airport for smuggling gold from Dubai, has alleged custodial torture by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). 

In a petition filed from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, she claimed she was physically assaulted, slapped multiple times, denied food and sleep, and coerced into signing blank documents. 

She further alleged that officers threatened to reveal her father’s identity if she refused to comply. Maintaining her innocence, she asserted she was falsely implicated to shield other suspects.

Court Denies Bail Over Serious Charges

On Friday, the Special Court for Economic Offences rejected Ranya's bail plea, citing the gravity of the charges. Judge Vishwanath C. Gowdar ruled that she must remain in judicial custody. 

The actress was caught smuggling 14.2 kg of gold, valued at ₹12.56 crore, from Dubai into India. During interrogation by the DRI, she reportedly confessed, stating it was her first offense and promising never to engage in illegal activities again.