A controversy has broken out in Karnataka after a purported video surfaced on social media allegedly showing Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank IPS officer and father of gold smuggling accused Ranya Rao, in intimate moments inside his official chamber.
Rao has strongly denied the allegations, terming the video “false and fabricated”. “This is a morphed video. I am being deliberately targeted,” he said.
The video, which has gone viral, allegedly shows the senior officer hugging and kissing women inside his office while in uniform. According to sources, the footage appears to have been secretly recorded inside the DGP’s chamber and shows different women visiting on separate occasions, dressed differently, with Rao interacting closely with them during office hours. While there are no claims of coercion, the alleged conduct inside a government office during duty hours has triggered sharp criticism.
Chief Minister briefed, unease within government
The matter has reached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has been briefed by the concerned department after the video began circulating widely. Sources said the Chief Minister expressed strong displeasure after being shown the footage and sought an explanation on how such an incident could allegedly take place within the police establishment.
The episode has put the state government under scrutiny, with political and administrative circles watching closely to see whether disciplinary action or a formal enquiry will be initiated.
Officer denies allegations, seeks enquiry
Rejecting the charges, Rao said the video was fabricated and intended to malign him. Speaking to India Today, the senior IPS officer said he was being unfairly targeted.
“I was posted in Belagavi eight years ago. This is a very old matter. We have spoken to our advocate and are taking appropriate action. This is shocking for us. The video is completely false and fabricated. If anything has happened, it cannot be established without a proper investigation. An enquiry must be conducted. False information is being spread,” he said.
Amid the controversy, Rao also met the state Home Minister to discuss the issue.