Actress Ranya Rao’s visit to Hasanamba Temple in Hassan has raised questions over the use of VIP protocol, police personnel and an official vehicle for a person currently out on bail in a multi-crore gold smuggling case.
Rao visited the temple with her family on Saturday after travelling from the Government Guest House in Hassan. She was accompanied by protocol staff and police personnel during the journey to the shrine and on the return trip after darshan, according to a report by the Times of India.
Rao’s father, retired director general of police Ramachandra Rao, was also present during the visit. When media persons attempted to photograph her near the temple, Rao reportedly gestured to them not to take pictures before proceeding towards the shrine.
The arrangements have prompted public discussion about the propriety of government staff and police personnel facilitating the movement of an accused person who is currently on bail. The questions centre on whether the official vehicle and escort were provided under a formal protocol arrangement, and which authority authorised them.
The issue also brings attention to the way VIP facilities are administered at public places that attract large numbers of visitors. Hasanamba Temple is a prominent religious site in Hassan, and the deployment of protocol and police personnel for a private visit can raise operational questions about official resources, security requirements and equal access to public services.
Rao was arrested in March 2025 after arriving at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru from Dubai. She was accused of involvement in a gold smuggling racket involving gold valued at several crores. She was subsequently detained under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act and released on bail in April 2026.
Her legal status as a person released on bail does not, by itself, establish any violation in the temple arrangements. However, the reported use of government-linked transport and personnel has led to questions about the applicable rules and whether the visit was treated as an official movement or a private religious visit.
The report does not specify which department sanctioned the vehicle, whether the escort was assigned for security reasons, or whether any fee or reimbursement was involved. Clarification from the district administration, police authorities or the department responsible for protocol would be required to establish the basis for the arrangements.
