Bengaluru, March 15 -- Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao, the stepfather of actor Ranya Rao-who was recently arrested in connection with a gold smuggling case-has been placed on "compulsory leave" with immediate effect, the state government announced in a circular, media reports.

The order, issued this evening, did not mention any specific reason for the decision.

NDTV reported that DGP Ramachandra Rao had said he was "shocked" and "devastated" over his stepdaughter's arrest. "Like any other father, I was shocked and devastated when it came to my notice through the media. I was not aware of any of these things. I don't want to say anything more."

He also mentioned that she had been living separately with her husband and suggested that fami...