Karnataka to Revise Bengaluru Airport SOPs After Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Arrest

The Karnataka government has decided to revise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at Bengaluru International Airport following the arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao for gold smuggling from Dubai and other countries.

The State’s Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Friday that the new regulations will bar family members and friends of senior bureaucrats from using protocol staff services at the airport.

Ranya Rao’s Arrest Sparks SOP Overhaul

The decision comes in the wake of Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, being caught smuggling gold bars worth more than Rs 14 crore at Kempegowda International Airport. Rao allegedly bypassed security checks by exploiting her family connections, making nearly 30 trips to Dubai to smuggle gold.

Misuse of Protocol Privileges

Ranya Rao’s arrest has highlighted the misuse of protocol privileges by family members of high-ranking officials. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Rao with gold bars concealed on her body.

Reports indicate that she had smuggled several kilograms of gold on multiple occasions by leveraging her stepfather’s position.

Government’s Response to the Incident

In response to the incident, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated, “We are taking stringent measures to prevent the misuse of official privileges.

The new SOPs will ensure that protocol-based security arrangements are not extended to family members and friends of senior bureaucrats.” The Director General of Police (DGP) has been instructed to strictly enforce the new regulations.

Impact on Airport Security

The revised SOPs aim to strengthen security measures at Bengaluru International Airport and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The government is committed to ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their connections, undergo thorough security checks.

Broader Implications

The arrest of Ranya Rao has raised concerns about the potential involvement of other individuals in the smuggling network.

Authorities are investigating whether Rao acted alone or was part of a larger syndicate. The case has also prompted a review of security protocols at other airports across the country.