Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao Suspended Over Viral Office Video

A major controversy has erupted in the Karnataka Police Department. The state government has suspended senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao after videos allegedly showing him in a compromising position with women went viral.

The incident has created a political storm in the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah immediately ordered action, stating that “no one is above the law.”

Here is a detailed report on what happened, the officer’s defense, and the background of this high-profile case.

The Viral Video Scandal: What Happened?

On Monday, January 19, multiple video clips began circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp.

• The Content: The videos allegedly show K. Ramachandra Rao, a Director General of Police (DGP) rank officer, in an intimate and compromising position with women.
• The Location: The footage appears to be recorded inside his official government office chamber.
• The Allegation: Reports claim the officer was in uniform and engaging in these acts during official duty hours.

These clips quickly grabbed public attention, leading to outrage against the misuse of public office. The videos were also broadcast by several local Kannada news channels, though they blurred the explicit visuals.

Government Action: Immediate Suspension

The Karnataka state government acted swiftly after the videos surfaced. On Monday night, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) issued an official suspension order.

According to the order, Rao’s conduct was described as “obscene” and “unbecoming of a government servant.” The government stated that his actions had caused severe embarrassment to the state administration.

CM Siddaramaiah’s Statement: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that he was briefed about the issue early in the morning. He told reporters:

Rao has been barred from leaving the headquarters without permission during the inquiry period.

Ramachandra Rao’s Defense: “It Is Fabricated”

The suspended officer has completely denied the allegations. Speaking to the media outside Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s residence, Rao claimed he was being targeted.

• “Fake Video”: Rao termed the videos as “fabricated, false, and morphed.”
• “Old Footage”: He suggested that if the video is real, it might be 8 years old from when he was posted in Belagavi, but he insisted he has no clear memory of such an event.
• Legal Action: He stated he would consult his lawyers to take legal action against those circulating the clips.

He reportedly tried to meet the Home Minister to explain his side but was unable to get an appointment.

The Ranya Rao Connection

This is not the first time K. Ramachandra Rao has been in the news for the wrong reasons. He is the stepfather of Kannada actress Ranya Rao (also known as Harshavardhini Ranya).

In 2025, Ranya Rao was arrested in a high-profile gold smuggling case involving 14.2 kg of gold. At that time, Ramachandra Rao faced allegations that he used his official position to help her bypass security checks at the airport. He was sent on compulsory leave during that investigation but was later reinstated and promoted to the Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate.

What Happens Next?

The state government has ordered a full departmental inquiry into the viral videos.

1. Forensic Test: The videos will likely be sent for forensic analysis to check if they are morphed or genuine.
2. Disciplinary Probe: If found guilty of misconduct in a public office, Rao could face permanent dismissal or legal charges.
3. Political Pressure: Opposition parties and social activists have written to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) demanding strict action, calling it a “disgrace to the uniform.”

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