The Karnataka High Court restrained media from making defamatory statements against IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, the stepfather of actress Ranya Rao. The interim order was issued following his plea amid an ongoing investigation into Ranya Rao’s alleged involvement in a gold smuggling case. The court emphasized the need to prevent character assassination without legal basis.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court issued an ex-parte temporary injunction prohibiting 39 media houses from broadcasting, publishing, or spreading any defamatory statements against senior police officer K. Ramachandra Rao (IPS).
This action comes as his stepdaughter, Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, is under investigation in a gold smuggling case.
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Justice HT Narendra Prasad delivered the interim order, stating,
“Ad-interim ex-parte temporary injunction against the respondents, restraining them from telecasting or publishing or disseminating any content that is defamatory to the petitioner, till the next date of hearing.”
Ramachandra Rao’s legal team argued that, as he is neither an accused nor a witness in the gold smuggling case, his reputation should not be damaged by media reports. His counsel included advocates Sudharsan Suresh, Sainath DM, Akshay Vasisht, Neha Venkatesh, and Ruthu Shivani.
Additionally, on March 12, Ranya Rao’s mother obtained a trial court ruling preventing the media from making defamatory remarks about her daughter.
This order issued due to concerns that sensationalized coverage of the gold smuggling case was infringing on Ranya’s right to a fair trial.
Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru International Airport on March 3, where officials allegedly seized 14.2 kg of gold valued at Rs.12.86 crores. It is reported that she attempted to conceal the gold in her belt and jacket to avoid customs inspection.
She is also accused of utilizing the VVIP exit route at the airport. DRI officials who conducted a search of her residence reportedly found jewelry worth Rs.2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs.2.67 crore, bringing the total value of seizures in the case to Rs.17.29 crore.
The case has garnered considerable media attention, particularly regarding Rao’s frequent trips to Dubai and the alleged misuse of VIP airport exits. Ranya was remanded to three days in DRI custody on March 7 and was later sent to judicial custody for 14 days on March 10.