Karnataka Suspends DGP-Rank Officer Ramachandra Rao After Alleged Sleaze Video Goes Viral

The Karnataka Government on Tuesday suspended senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao after a video purportedly showing his alleged intimate conduct inside his official chamber surfaced on social media, triggering widespread outrage and political backlash.

Ramachandra Rao, a Director General of Police (DGP)-rank officer, was placed under suspension following a review at the highest levels of the state administration. The controversy reportedly reached the office of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who sought a detailed briefing from the concerned department after the footage went viral. Officials said the decision to suspend the officer was taken a day later amid mounting public pressure.

According to sources, the Chief Minister expressed strong displeasure after viewing the video and questioned how such alleged activities could have occurred within the premises of a senior police officer’s official chamber. The matter has also drawn sharp attention from opposition parties, who have been closely watching whether the ruling government would initiate strict disciplinary action.

The video, which surfaced online on Monday, allegedly shows Rao in uniform engaging in intimate behaviour with different women during office hours. The footage appears to have been covertly recorded inside his office, with visuals suggesting multiple meetings involving different individuals on separate occasions. The incident has raised serious concerns about conduct, propriety, and misuse of official space.

Ramachandra Rao is also known to be the father of Ranya Rao, who is currently facing allegations in a separate high-profile gold smuggling case, adding to the public scrutiny surrounding the officer.

Rao has categorically denied all allegations, claiming that the video is fabricated. He described the footage as morphed and part of a targeted attempt to malign his reputation. In his statement, Rao said he was shocked by the circulation of the video and has approached legal counsel to challenge what he termed as false information.

“This is a morphed and fabricated video. People are deliberately targeting me. I have spoken to my advocate, and we will take appropriate action. An enquiry must be conducted to bring out the truth,” Rao said, maintaining that the allegations are baseless.

He further stated that he had served in Belagavi several years ago and questioned the timing and authenticity of the video now being circulated. Despite his denial, the state government proceeded with his suspension, signalling a zero-tolerance approach toward controversies involving senior officials.

Sources also confirmed that Rao met the state Home Minister to present his side amid the growing controversy. However, the meeting did not alter the government’s decision to suspend him pending further proceedings.

The suspension is expected to be followed by a formal departmental inquiry to ascertain the authenticity of the video and determine accountability. The case has reignited debate over ethical standards in public office and the mechanisms in place to monitor senior officials’ conduct.