Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has withdrawn its order directing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate possible lapses and dereliction of duty by police officers at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru in connection with actor Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case.

The CID probe order was issued on Monday night. However, a subsequent order on Wednesday withdrew the investigation, stating that Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta is already probing the possible role of Ranya's stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, a Director General of Police (DGP)-rank officer, in the case.

Ramachandra Rao under inquiry

Ramachandra Rao is currently serving as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation. Gupta’s inquiry will focus on the facts and circumstances leading to the misuse of protocol-related facilities and Rao’s involvement in the case.

Seizure of gold and cash

Recently, gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport. The next day, officials stated that searches were conducted at her residence, where gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash were recovered.

PTI