The Karnataka government on Monday suspended senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, after a controversial video allegedly showing him in a compromising position with women went viral on social media. The development has triggered widespread public attention and political reactions across the state.
According to an official government order, the decision was taken after videos and related reports were widely broadcast on television news channels and digital platforms. The state government observed that the conduct attributed to the officer appeared obscene and unbecoming of a government servant, causing embarrassment to the administration.
The order stated that the government examined the matter and found prima facie evidence suggesting a violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. Acting under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the government placed Rao under suspension with immediate effect, pending a detailed inquiry.
During the suspension period, Rao will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per service rules. He has also been instructed not to leave headquarters under any circumstances without prior written permission from the state government.
The controversy erupted after a video purportedly showing the senior police officer in a compromising situation surfaced online on Monday. The footage spread rapidly across social media platforms, prompting questions over conduct at the highest levels of the police force. Rao is also the stepfather of Ranya Rao, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case, further intensifying public scrutiny.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the matter would be thoroughly investigated and assured that no one would be spared if found guilty. He stated that disciplinary action would follow based on the outcome of the inquiry, irrespective of the seniority of the officer involved.
K Ramachandra Rao has strongly denied the allegations, claiming the video is fabricated and false. Speaking to reporters, he said he was shocked by the circulation of the footage and had no knowledge of when or how it was recorded. He added that in the present digital age, such content can be easily manipulated and spread.
Rao suggested that if the video was old, it might date back to his earlier posting in Belagavi several years ago. However, he maintained that the allegations were baseless and said he would consult his legal counsel before deciding on further action. He also stated that he intended to explain his position to the Home Minister.
The incident has drawn sharp political reactions. Senior BJP leader and former minister S Suresh Kumar termed the episode disgraceful and said it had brought disrepute to the entire police department. He alleged that such conduct by a senior officer erodes public trust and raises serious concerns about accountability within the system.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said the government would act firmly if wrongdoing was established, regardless of the rank or position held by the officer. Social activists have also demanded strict action, calling the suspension a necessary step to uphold institutional integrity.
The inquiry ordered by the Karnataka government will now examine the authenticity of the video and determine whether further disciplinary or legal action is warranted. Until the investigation is completed, Rao will remain under suspension, as the state closely watches one of the most serious controversies involving a senior police officer in recent years.