Politics
7 min read
Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao Suspended Over 'Sleazy Video' Allegations
Hindustan Times
January 20, 2026•2 days ago

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Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao has been suspended following the circulation of a video alleged to be sleazy. Rao denies the allegations, claiming the video is fake and AI-generated. The state government stated his conduct was unbecoming and caused embarrassment. A probe has been ordered, with further disciplinary action possible depending on the inquiry's outcome.
Speaking on the matter, the state Home Minister G Parameshwara said Rao “can be dismissed” depending on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
In its order, the government said the officer’s conduct was “unbecoming of a Government Servant” and had caused “embarrassment to the Government,” prompting disciplinary action under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
Rao, who is also the father of actor Ranya Rao, rejected the allegations outright, insisting the video was fake and that he had no knowledge of its origin.
Dismissing the claims, Rao said that the clip circulating online was not genuine and were generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). “I am shocked. It is all fabricated, a lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it,” he said.
He also questioned how the video surfaced and who could be behind it, reiterating that the allegations were baseless.
CM Siddaramaiah orders probe
Chief minister Siddaramaiah said the matter would be investigated and made it clear that the officer’s seniority would not come in the way of action.
“We will get it investigated,” the chief minister said. He added, “I got to know about it in the morning. We will initiate disciplinary action against him. No one is above the law, notwithstanding how senior the police officer is.”
Following the video’s circulation, the state government moved to suspend Rao, pending further inquiry.
Attempt to meet home minister fails, past controversy
1. After the controversy broke, Rao attempted to meet home minister G Parameshwara, but the meeting did not take place.
2. Speaking to media persons outside the minister’s residence, he again denied the allegations. “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,” Rao said. He added that he would consult his advocate and explain to the Home Minister that false information was being spread about him.
3. The suspension comes months after Rao was reinstated by the Karnataka government in August last year. At the time, he was appointed DGP of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement after the state withdrew a compulsory leave order imposed on him in March.
4. Rao had been sent on compulsory leave following the arrest of his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, in a high-profile gold smuggling case.
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