The inquiry report into the alleged violation of protocol at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in the gold smuggling case is completed and will be submitted soon, Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, who is heading the probe, said on Monday.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a press conference of the Energy Department, he said, “The report is almost completed and we are checking the final details of the report and hope to submit it today itself. It was a thorough investigation, with around 10-15 people inquiring along with other details related to the incident being probed. There was no evasion, no pressure from anyone.”
Mr. Gupta further said that the report also has some recommendation to be taken to ensure foolproof security measures while following the protocol.
The case pertains to Kannada actor Ranya Rao who was arrested by the DRI on March 3 at KIA after she landed from Dubai with 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore wrapped in her thighs using a crepe bandage and tape. She used the special privilege and protocol of her stepfather, K. Ramachandra Rao,Director-General of Police, Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.
The Karnataka government on March 10 tasked senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta to investigate the protocol violations by Ranya and the possible role of Ramachandra Rao in the gold smuggling case.
The inquiry committee commissioned by the State government also questioned Mr. Rao before he was sent on forced leave.
Published – March 24, 2025 08:36 pm IST
