The protocol officer who assisted Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling gold, claimed that Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao, the actor’s stepfather, had specifically instructed him to provide assistance to her at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.
Basavaraj, a constable stationed at the Kempegowda Airport Police Station, revealed that he was following direct orders from Ramachandra Rao. His duties involved ensuring smooth arrivals and departures for Ranya Rao based on instructions from senior officials.
According to Basavaraj, he received a call from Ranya Rao at 6.20 pm on the day of her arrest. She informed him of her arrival from Dubai and requested protocol assistance. Basavaraj was present when Ranya was leaving the airport, shortly before Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials apprehended her.
On March 4, Basavaraj was interrogated by DRI officials, who had issued him a summons following Ranya Rao’s arrest. His statement was included in the remand application submitted to the court. During questioning, Basavaraj denied any involvement in or knowledge of gold smuggling. He insisted that his interactions with Ranya Rao were limited to protocol duties assigned by his superiors.
The constable admitted to knowing Ranya Rao for the past few years, explaining that their acquaintance was purely professional, stemming from his role at the airport. He stated that he had provided protocol assistance to her approximately three to four times but could not recall the exact dates and times.
DRI officials conducted a seizure (mahazar) of gold bars at the airport in Basavaraj’s presence. Despite this, he maintained that he was unaware of Ranya Rao’s alleged smuggling activities and had no connection to the case.
