A senior police officer in Karnataka is under intense public and political scrutiny after a controversial video allegedly recorded inside his office began circulating widely on social media, putting the state’s Home Department in an uncomfortable spotlight.
The video, which surfaced on Monday, appears to show R Ramachandra Rao, a Director General of Police-rank officer currently leading the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), in an intimate moment with a woman inside his chamber. The undated clip, around 47 seconds long, is said to be stitched together from multiple recordings and was reportedly captured on a mobile phone or office cameras. In parts of the video, Rao is seen wearing his police uniform.
As outrage spread online, the issue quickly reached the highest levels of government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered an inquiry and made it clear that rank would not shield anyone from scrutiny. “I came to know about this matter only this morning. I have ordered an inquiry, and strict action will be taken in this case. No matter who it is or what position they hold, no one is above the law. I have ordered an investigation, and appropriate action will be taken in this matter,” he said.
Rao, however, has rejected the allegations outright. Shortly after the video went viral, he met Home Minister G Parameshwara in Bengaluru and insisted the footage was not genuine. “I am shocked, and the videos are fabricated. I will meet an advocate and file a case against those spreading false news,” he said.
Rao Claims Viral Video “Fabricated, False”
When questioned about whether the visuals were filmed inside his office, Rao said he had been posted in Belagavi eight years ago, but did not explain the connection. “I am also thinking how and when it happened and who has done it. In this era anything can happen. I have no idea about it,” he said. “I am shocked. It is all fabricated, lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it.”
The controversy has revived memories of earlier trouble for the officer. In 2025, Rao was placed on compulsory leave after his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, was arrested in a gold smuggling case. Although a probe later cleared him of involvement, the episode had already drawn public attention to the family.
The BJP seized on the latest development, calling it damaging to the image of the police force. “Rao has committed an act that has brought a blot on the entire police department,” party leader S Suresh Kumar said.
Officials say the authenticity of the video is still under verification, and the findings of the inquiry will decide Rao’s future course in service.
