Video row: K Ramachandra Rao footage found genuine, probe report confirms

Bengaluru: In a major development in the viral video controversy, an official inquiry has confirmed that the footage allegedly showing senior police officer K Ramachandra Rao behaving inappropriately with a woman in office premises is authentic and not manipulated.

A four-member IPS officers’ committee, constituted by the Karnataka government and led by Additional Director General of Police R Hitendra, has submitted a detailed 100-page report establishing the genuineness of the videos.

According to the report, forensic analysis by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed that the footage had not been edited, morphed, or generated using artificial intelligence. This finding directly contradicts Rao’s earlier claims that the videos were “deepfake” or part of a conspiracy against him.

The التحقيق also revealed that the videos were recorded during 2016–17 when Rao was serving in the Belagavi range. Staff members who worked with him at the time, including drivers and office personnel, reportedly identified the women seen in the footage. They also confirmed that the women had visited Rao’s private office on multiple occasions.

Sources indicated that one of the women may have recorded the video intentionally on her mobile phone. However, a key concern for investigators is that both women seen in the footage are currently untraceable. Their statements are considered crucial for the дальнейший probe, and authorities are making efforts to locate them.

Following the submission of the report, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) has issued a notice to Rao, initiating formal departmental proceedings against him. The development has significantly escalated the crisis for the suspended officer.

Although Rao is due to retire on May 31, officials indicated that if the inquiry continues, his pension and retirement benefits could be withheld pending the outcome. This adds further gravity to the case, which has already triggered widespread debate on accountability and conduct within the police force.

The controversy first erupted after the videos surfaced publicly, prompting Rao to deny their authenticity and allege that they were fabricated using advanced technology. He had also threatened legal action against those responsible for circulating the clips.

However, with forensic confirmation now establishing the videos as genuine, the focus has shifted to disciplinary action and possible legal consequences. The case is expected to have wider implications for administrative oversight and ethical standards in public service.