A viral video allegedly showing Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao in a compromising situation has sparked a major row in the state. The clip, which surfaced on social media on Monday, January 19, 2026, appears to show the senior IPS officer engaging in intimate acts with a woman inside his official chamber while in uniform. Rao has strongly denied the footage, calling it morphed or fabricated, and the Karnataka government has ordered an investigation.
The video spread quickly across platforms like X, Instagram, and WhatsApp. It runs about 47 seconds in some versions, though longer clips with multiple women have also circulated. Sources say the recordings might come from CCTV cameras in Rao’s office, possibly dating back over a year.
Rao serves as Director General of Police for Civil Rights Enforcement in Bengaluru. The timing has raised eyebrows, coming after his stepdaughter, Kannada actress Ranya Rao, faced arrest in a 2025 gold smuggling case at Bengaluru airport.
Rao spoke to reporters soon after the video went viral. He dismissed it as fake, saying, “This is a morphed video. It is all lies.” He pointed to possible rivals behind the spread and requested a formal probe.
Some reports quote him claiming it could be AI-generated. Rao visited Home Minister G Parameshwara to explain his side, though details of that meeting stayed private.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded firmly. Speaking in Belagavi, he said an inquiry would happen and disciplinary action could follow if needed. “No one is above the law,” he told reporters.
The government directed the Home Ministry to look into it quickly. This adds pressure on the police department, already dealing with scrutiny over the gold case linked to Rao’s family.
Ranya Rao’s arrest last year involved allegations of smuggling gold from Dubai and using her stepfather’s position for airport protocol. A committee probed Rao’s possible role, and he went on compulsory leave briefly before returning to duty. The new video has reignited those questions, with opposition parties likely to raise it in assembly sessions.
Online, people reacted fast. Many expressed shock at the alleged conduct in an official space. Comments focused on misuse of power and uniform respect. Others supported Rao, saying deepfakes are common now and proof matters. Fact-checks haven’t confirmed authenticity yet, but the clips keep being shared widely.
This isn’t the first time senior officials have faced such leaks in India. Similar cases in other states led to suspensions or transfers. In Karnataka, police maintain high standards, and any proven misconduct hits trust hard. Women’s groups might weigh in, seeing it as potential abuse of authority.
The probe will check the video’s source and timing. If the video is from office CCTV, questions will arise about who accessed it and why it is being addressed now. Rao has asked for technical analysis to prove tampering. Results could take days or weeks, depending on the experts involved.
For now, Rao continues duties amid the storm. The department hasn’t commented officially beyond the probe announcement. The public watches closely, as these incidents affect views on law enforcement.
