A significant political and administrative crisis has erupted in Karnataka following the wide circulation of a controversial video purportedly involving Ramachandra Rao. Rao is a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer holding the prestigious rank of Director General of Police (DGP) and is also known as the father of Ranya Rao, who is currently an accused in a gold smuggling case.

The footage, which has spread rapidly across social media platforms, allegedly captures the senior officer engaging in intimate behavior with different women inside his official chamber during designated office hours. Reports suggest that the visuals were recorded covertly within the DGP’s office. The clips appear to show multiple women visiting the chamber on separate occasions, where Rao, dressed in his full police uniform, is seen hugging and kissing the visitors while official work appears to be underway.

This incident has drawn deeper public interest due to Rao's family connection. He is the father of actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested in July 2025 in a high-profile gold smuggling case at Bengaluru Airport and was subsequently sentenced to one year of imprisonment.

While there have been no allegations of coercion or criminal conduct regarding the women seen in the videos, the nature of the alleged acts—taking place within a government office during duty hours—has triggered widespread criticism. It has raised serious questions about professional propriety and discipline at the highest levels of the police force.

The controversy has reached the state's top political leadership. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been briefed by the concerned department after the video began circulating widely. The Chief Minister has reportedly expressed strong displeasure after viewing the footage and has sought a detailed explanation regarding how such an incident could allegedly occur within the police establishment. The episode has placed the state government under intense scrutiny, with growing calls for clarity on whether a departmental inquiry or disciplinary proceedings will be initiated.

Officer denies accusations, claims clips are faked

In the face of these damaging claims, Ramachandra Rao has categorically denied all allegations, asserting that the video is fabricated and morphed to malign his reputation. Speaking to India Today, the senior officer stated that he was being deliberately targeted and described the entire episode as shocking and distressing.

“This is a completely false and fabricated video. I was in Belagavi eight years ago, and we have already spoken to our advocate about taking appropriate action. If anything had actually happened, it would require a proper investigation. Such false information is being spread without verification,” Rao said, reiterating his demand for a formal inquiry to establish the truth.

As the debate intensifies, political and administrative circles are closely watching the state government’s next move. Whether the matter results in an official probe or fades amid competing narratives will likely determine not only the fate of the officer involved but also the credibility of the police leadership and the government’s response to allegations of misconduct within its ranks.

State govt suspends DGP Ramachandra Rao quoting ‘unbecoming conduct’ following viral explicit clips

Following the public outcry, the administration acted swiftly. On 19th January, the Karnataka government suspended senior IPS officer Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement. This decision came after the videos allegedly showing him engaging in intimate acts inside his official chamber went viral on social media.

The official order cited conduct “unbecoming of a government servant” and stated that the episode caused “embarrassment to the government”. The suspension order invoked Rule 3 of the All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, and was issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms. The order came into force immediately, pending inquiry. It is worth noting that Rao’s service tenure was due to end in just a couple of months.

Details within the administration's order

According to the official order, the state government examined the videos and news reports widely broadcast on media platforms before taking action. It was concluded that Rao’s alleged conduct violated service rules. The order stated that during the suspension period, the officer will be paid a subsistence allowance and will not leave headquarters without prior permission.

Footage sparks political and bureaucratic turmoil

The controversy erupted after videos allegedly showing Rao hugging and kissing multiple women inside his office went viral on social media. The clips, which were allegedly recorded covertly, showed him in uniform during duty hours. While there are no allegations of coercion, the location and timing of the alleged acts raised serious questions over conduct within the police establishment.

Rao is also the father of actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested in July 2025 in a gold smuggling case at Bengaluru Airport and later sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.