The Karnataka government has rescinded its previous directive for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate potential lapses by police officers at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport concerning the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao.

Initially, the CID was tasked with examining any negligence or misconduct by airport police following Ranya Rao’s arrest on charges of attempting to smuggle gold. However, a subsequent order issued on Wednesday annulled this investigation. The government cited an ongoing probe led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, focusing on the involvement of Ranya’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao—a Director General of Police (DGP) rank officer currently serving as the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.

Gupta’s inquiry aims to uncover the facts and circumstances surrounding the misuse of protocol-related facilities and assess Rao’s potential role in the case. This development follows the seizure of gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from Ranya Rao at the airport. Subsequent searches of her residence led to the discovery of gold jewelry valued at ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.

The government’s decision to withdraw the CID probe underscores its commitment to a focused and impartial investigation into the high-profile gold smuggling case, ensuring that all aspects are thoroughly examined without redundancy.

Indian students en route to Canada decreased by 41%; those going to the UK declined 27% and 13%, with Australia experiencing an annual 12 % decrease; at 2,04,058 Indian students studied in America in 2024 alone. Canada had the second-highest student enrollment at 1,37,608. China experienced a decrease as 7279 students came for studies in 2023 while only 4,978 attended in 2024. Germany, Bangladesh, Russia and Ireland saw the greatest increases in Indian students traveling for studies – at 49 per cent, 44 per cent, 34 per cent and 30 per cent increases respectively. At 34,702, Indians increased by 49 per cent traveling to Germany for studies while 31444 Russian students arrived compared to 23503 a year prior. France, Philippines and Uzbekistan all saw increases as well.

There’s something magical and evocative about seeing an old friend from school come back into town to show us something they remember from long ago – often something from when they were younger themselves! So much for my visions of an ideal world where it wouldn’t matter who ran it anymore… Numbers of Indian students traveling overseas for studies dropped 15% last year as countries tightened visa regulations, according to information provided by Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State in Education ministry, at Monday’s Lok Sabha session. He reported that 7,59,064 students studied overseas according to Bureau of Immigration (BoI). Even though this number represents a decrease from 8,92,989 students traveling overseas for education in 2023, it is slightly higher compared to 2022 when it stood at 7,50,365.

This data pertains specifically to Indian travelers who disclosed “Study/Education” as their reason for visiting foreign destinations. As per information shared with Lok Sabha earlier, BoI data for previous years shows that 2024 surpasses 2019 in terms of students heading abroad for study; during 2019, 5,86,337 went abroad to pursue their education. Canadian, United States and United Kingdom all saw significant declines (in percentage terms) as they all tightened visa regulations for immigrants. Canada became more stringent on student visa regulations following worsening diplomatic ties in 2024 which resulted in more visa rejections and scrutiny on applications for entry.

The Karnataka government has initiated an research into the alleged misuse of protocol by actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The probe also examines the potential involvement of Director General of Police (DGP) Ramachandra Rao in facilitating her unauthorized get admission to to a limited vicinity.

Incident Overview

On March 10, 2025, Ranya Rao reportedly bypassed standard security tactics at KIA, getting into through a VIP gate usually reserved for high-ranking officials and dignitaries. This breach has raised issues approximately security protocols and feasible misuse of official privileges.

Government’s Response

In reaction to the incident, the Karnataka Home Department has ordered a comprehensive research to determine:

How Rao received get entry to to the constrained region.

Whether DGP Ramachandra Rao played a role in facilitating this get entry to.

If there has been any breach of protection protocols or misuse of reputable privileges.

Official Statements

Karnataka‘s Home Minister stated, “We have taken severe note of the incident and directed an intensive investigation. Appropriate motion might be taken primarily based on the findings.”

Implications and Public Concern

This incident has sparked public challenge regarding:

Security Integrity: Ensuring that airport security protocols are upheld with out exceptions.

Accountability: Holding officials responsible if discovered complicit in protocol breaches.

Transparency: Maintaining public agree with thru obvious investigative approaches.

The investigation committee is expected to:

Review CCTV photos from the airport.

Interview airport safety employees and officers.

Obtain statements from Ranya Rao and DGP Ramachandra Rao.

The findings will guide any disciplinary actions or policy revisions to prevent future occurrences.