Bengaluru, 19 Jan

Karnataka DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao is under fire over a viral video which purportedly shows him in compromising positions with women.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a probe and warned of disciplinary action.

“No one is above the law, notwithstanding how senior the police officer is,” he said.

The controversy is compounded by Rao’s family connection: he is the stepfather of Harshavardhini Ranya, alias Ranya Rao, arrested in a high-profile gold smuggling case and currently in Bengaluru Central Jail.

Rao has denied the allegations, terming the footage “fabricated”. He said the visuals, reportedly eight years old from his posting in Belagavi, were secretly recorded and are morphed.

Rao attempted to meet Home Minister G Parameshwara to clarify his position, but reports indicate the minister allegedly refused the meeting.

Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar promised “merciless” action should wrongdoing be confirmed. Senior BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar called the incident an “inexcusable crime” that tarnishes the police department, while activist Dinesh Kallahalli demanded Rao’s suspension.

Kannada TV channels aired blurred images of women purportedly in the video, though authorities have not yet verified the footage.