Source TOI
BENGALURU – The Karnataka government has placed senior IPS officer and Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement), Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao, under immediate suspension following the viral spread of controversial videos and audio clips. The footage purportedly shows the high-ranking officer in compromising positions with women, allegedly filmed inside his official chamber while in uniform.
The suspension order, issued late Monday night by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), cited conduct “unbecoming of a government servant” and noted that the visuals had caused significant “embarrassment to the government.”
Key Details of the Controversy
The Allegations: Several unverified videos and audio recordings surfaced on social media and regional news channels on January 19, 2026. The 47-second clips allegedly show Rao engaging in inappropriate physical contact with women during working hours.
Government Action: Under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, Rao has been suspended pending a formal inquiry. He is prohibited from leaving his headquarters without written permission.
Rao’s Defense: The 1993-batch officer has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the videos “fabricated, false, and a systematic conspiracy” to malign his career. He suggested the clips might be manipulated footage from his tenure in Belagavi nearly eight years ago.
“No One is Above the Law”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took a firm stance on the matter, emphasizing that seniority would not shield any officer from accountability.
“We will get it investigated and initiate disciplinary action. No matter how tall someone is, no one is above the law,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
Minister for Women and Child Development, Laxmi Hebbalkar, echoed this sentiment, promising “merciless” action to uphold the dignity of the department. The Karnataka State Commission for Women has also intervened, demanding a transparent inquiry within seven days and invoking the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
A Career Under Cloud
This is not the first time Dr. Ramachandra Rao has faced administrative scrutiny. In 2025, he was sent on compulsory leave following the arrest of his stepdaughter, Kannada actor Ranya Rao, in a high-profile gold smuggling case. Allegations at the time suggested he had used his official position to bypass airport security protocols for her. He was only recently reinstated and posted as DGP of the Civil Rights Enforcement wing in August 2025.
What’s Next?
The state government has ordered a high-level probe to verify the authenticity of the videos. If found guilty of violating the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, Rao could face dismissal from service.
