Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao under fire: ‘Sleaze’ video, suspension and shadow of Ranya Rao gold smuggling case — what we know | Bengaluru News
BENGALURU: Suspended IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, who was serving as DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement), has denied allegations against him after unverified videos purportedly showing him in a compromising position surfaced on social media, placing him at the centre of a widening controversy that has rattled the Karnataka police establishment and triggered swift action by the state government.What began as administrative unease during a high-profile gold smuggling investigation has now escalated into a full-blown political storm after alleged sleaze videos surfaced, prompting his suspension and a formal inquiry.Read more: Karnataka DGP in ‘sleaze’ storm: IPS officer Ramachandra Rao suspended as viral videos spark outrage; no one above law, says CMWhile the gold smuggling case involving his stepdaughter, Kannada actor Ranya Rao, first brought Rao into the public spotlight, the current crisis revolves around serious allegations of misconduct by the officer himself and the government’s response to it.Rao’s defence as videos go viralSoon after television channels and social media platforms began circulating videos purportedly showing Rao in a compromising position with women inside his office, the senior officer rejected the allegations outright, calling the material “fabricated and false”.Rao attempted to clarify his position by seeking a meeting with home minister G Parameshwara, but the meeting did not take place. Speaking to reporters outside the minister’s house, he said, “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.”When asked whether the video was old, he said, “Old means, eight years ago when I was in Belagavi.”On his next steps, Rao said he would discuss the matter with his advocate. “I am shocked. It is all fabricated, lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it,” he added. When questioned further, he said, “I will know only if it had happened. I don’t know about it,” and that he would explain to the home minister that false information is being spread.Government moves swiftly, suspends senior officerThe Karnataka government acted within hours of the controversy erupting. Chief minister Siddaramaiah ordered a probe and made it clear that seniority would not shield the officer.Home minister G Parameshwara confirmed that Rao had been placed under suspension with immediate effect, citing conduct unbecoming of a government servant and embarrassment caused to the state administration.He added,”CM Siddaramaiah and myself are deeply disturbed by this incident. Since this relates to my department, it doesn’t seem good to me.” The official order said the government was prima facie satisfied that the officer’s conduct violated Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, warranting disciplinary proceedings.Parameshwara said he had consciously avoided meeting Rao after the videos surfaced, stressing that “in such a situation one has to be cautious”. He added that dismissal was also an option, depending on the findings of the inquiry.Political backlash and public outrageThe controversy triggered sharp political reactions, particularly from the opposition BJP, which accused the government of shielding Rao in the past. Former minister S Suresh Kumar called the alleged acts “an inexcusable crime” that had brought “a blot on the entire police department” and eroded public trust in the police.Women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said the government would act “mercilessly” if wrongdoing was established, irrespective of the officer’s seniority.Social activists also stepped in. Ballari-based Anna Foundation chief Rajshekar Mulali wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office and the department of personnel and taining, seeking legal action against Rao for the alleged misuse of public office and uniform. Advocate Dinesh Kallahalli filed complaints with the chief secretary and sought disciplinary action under the All India Services rules.Audio clips add another layerThe row deepened further with the circulation of two audio clips, allegedly featuring a conversation between a police officer and a woman. Though their authenticity could not be independently verified, the clips added to political and public outrage. The state government said the audio recordings would also be examined as part of the inquiry.Gold smuggling case: The background that won’t fadeRunning parallel to the sleaze-video row is the high-profile gold smuggling case involving Rao’s stepdaughter, Ranya Rao, which first brought the officer under uncomfortable public focus.Ranya was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence at Kempegowda International Airport after allegedly smuggling nearly 14.8 kg of gold, valued at over Rs 12.56 crore, from Dubai. Investigators said the gold was concealed in a specially designed belt.According to official records cited by investigators, Ranya had made 34 to 45 solo trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025, raising suspicions that she may have acted as a carrier for a larger smuggling network.Searches conducted during the investigation led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her premises.Protocol privilege under scannerA key aspect that complicated the case was the alleged misuse of protocol facilities. Investigators found that Ranya was frequently escorted out of the airport by a police constable deployed for protocol duties normally extended to senior bureaucrats.The constable told investigators that he had standing instructions to receive her whenever she returned from foreign trips and claimed he was unaware of any smuggling activity. The episode raised serious questions about access, influence, and misuse of official privilege.Amid growing scrutiny and as central agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate stepped in, the Karnataka government directed Rao—then heading the Karnataka Police Housing Corporation—to go on compulsory leave.At the time, Rao publicly distanced himself from his stepdaughter’s actions.“She got married four months ago and hasn’t visited us since. We are unaware of her or her husband’s business dealings. This has come as a huge shock and disappointment. The law will take its course.”Officials described the move as administrative, aimed at avoiding embarrassment as the probe widened.From Bengaluru central prison, Ranya later wrote a five-page letter to senior DRI officials, denying her father’s involvement and alleging custodial assault.She claimed officials threatened to “expose my father’s name and identity” if she did not sign documents and alleged she was forced to sign multiple typed and blank pages.Central agencies have rejected these allegations, maintaining that procedures were followed.What lies aheadRao remains under suspension pending a detailed inquiry. The authenticity of the videos and audio clips will be central to the probe, which could determine whether the matter ends in reinstatement, extended disciplinary action, or dismissal.For the Karnataka government, the episode has become a test of credibility and decisiveness.
