Ranya Rao’s protocol use: Father was aware, says Gaurav Gupta’s report to Government

Actress Ranya Rao’s use of protocol facilities at Kempegowda International Airport was reportedly known to her father, DGP Ramachandra Rao. However, there is no evidence that he directed authorities to impose restrictions or instructed the police to grant her protocol privileges, according to an inquiry report submitted by a team led by the Additional Chief Secretary to the state government.

Although Ranya availed protocol privileges, customs officials were not restricted from conducting an inspection. According to Asianet News reports, the report explicitly clarifies that the allegations of Ranya using police protocol for gold smuggling are baseless, according to Kannada Prabha. The investigation report also indirectly mentions lapses on the part of the central customs department in handling the case.

The inquiry into the alleged misuse of protocol privileges at the airport led to the submission of a 230-page report to the state’s Chief Secretary, Shalini Rajneesh, by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta on Thursday, report confirmed.
Despite using protocol privileges, neither officers nor their family members are exempt from customs checks. The report states that even police officers must undergo inspections if required by customs officials. This indirectly points to lapses in the customs department’s handling of Ranya’s alleged gold smuggling case.
Ranya Rao reportedly used police protocol and police vehicles at Kempegowda International Airport multiple times. While DGP Ramachandra Rao was aware of this, there is no evidence that he had imposed any restrictions on her. Likewise, no proof was found that he instructed police personnel to provide protocol privileges to his daughter, as stated in Gaurav Gupta’s report.
The report further highlights that Ranya’s use of government protocol and vehicles constitutes a clear violation of service regulations. During questioning, DGP Ramachandra Rao denied all allegations, stating that he was unaware of any such actions. However, the head constable at the airport station had previously informed DRI officials that protocol facilities were provided to Ranya on the DGP’s instructions, a claim the DGP has since refuted. CCTV footage from the airport confirms that Ranya used official government vehicles on multiple occasions.
Based on the findings of the Additional Chief Secretary’s report on the misuse of police protocol, the Chief Minister is expected to make a final decision on further action. It is reported that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will consult with Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and senior officials of the Home Department before determining the next steps.