Ramachandra Rao Video Case: Probe Confirms Viral Footage Is Real, Not Deepfake, DPAR Orders Departmental Action

NewsFlash Daily™

19 March

FSL report rules out AI or tampering, IPS-led probe submits 100-page findings as suspended DGP faces serious action

Bengaluru: In a major development in the case involving suspended DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, an official investigation has confirmed that the viral videos showing alleged misconduct with women are authentic and not manipulated. The findings have significantly escalated the case, with authorities initiating formal departmental action.

A four-member IPS team led by Additional Director General of Police R. Hitendra submitted a detailed 100-page report, concluding that the footage is genuine and not a product of deepfake or artificial intelligence manipulation.

FSL Confirms Videos Are Untampered

According to the report, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) conducted a thorough examination and found that the videos were neither edited nor tampered with.

The investigation also revealed that staff members, including drivers and office personnel from Rao’s tenure in Belagavi, identified the individuals seen in the footage and confirmed their visits to his office.

“The videos are real and have not been altered in any manner,” sources from the investigation team indicated.

Women in Video Yet to Record Statements

A crucial aspect of the probe remains incomplete as the two women seen in the videos have not yet been traced or examined. Officials say their statements are vital to further strengthen the case.

Sources suggest that one of the women may have recorded the footage herself, adding another dimension to the investigation.

DPAR Issues Notice, Departmental Inquiry Begins

Following the submission of the report, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) has issued a formal notice to Ramachandra Rao, initiating a departmental inquiry.

Rao, who is scheduled to retire on May 31, could face temporary suspension of pension and retirement benefits if the inquiry continues or establishes misconduct.

Earlier Claims of Conspiracy Collapse

The videos are believed to have been recorded during 2016–17 at the IGP office in Belagavi zone. When the footage first surfaced, Rao had denied the allegations, claiming the videos were morphed and AI-generated, and alleging a conspiracy against him.

However, with the investigation now confirming the authenticity of the footage, those claims have been effectively dismissed, placing the senior officer in deeper trouble.

Serious Implications for Senior Officer

The case has raised serious questions about conduct, accountability and misuse of office, especially at senior levels of the police force. With the probe underway, further legal and administrative actions are expected in the coming days.