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The Karnataka government has suspended DGP Ramachandra Rao pending an inquiry after viral videos allegedly showed him engaging in objectionable conduct in his office.
A file photo of Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao (Social Media)
The Karnataka government has placed senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police (DGP), Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), under suspension with immediate effect following the circulation of viral videos that allegedly show him behaving inappropriately with a woman inside his office.
In a detailed suspension order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), the state government cited videos and news reports “widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms” to justify the action.
The order stated, “WHEREAS, vide videos and news reports widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms, it is observed that Dr K Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, has acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a Government Servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government.”
The government said it had examined the matter and was prima facie satisfied that Rao’s conduct amounted to a violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
“WHEREAS, the State Government has examined the said matter referred above, and is convinced that the conduct of the officer mentioned is in violation of Rule 3 of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 and the State Government is prima facie satisfied that it is necessary to place Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao (KN:1993), Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry. Hence, this order,” the order stated.
Accordingly, the government order noted, “In the circumstances explained in the preamble, now therefore, in exercise of the powers under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao (KN:1993), Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement is placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry.”
During the suspension period, Rao will be paid subsistence allowance as per Rule 4 of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, and will not be permitted to leave headquarters without prior written permission of the state government.
The suspension follows the circulation of purported videos on social media that allegedly show Rao inside his official chamber engaging in intimate behaviour with a woman.
According to reports, in one clip, he is seen kissing the woman while seated in uniform in his office, while another video purportedly shows him in a suit, engaging in similar behaviour in front of the Indian flag and the police department’s emblem.
The woman’s face was blurred in the clips, which were circulated with background music and captions.
Reacting to the controversy, Rao denied the allegations and claimed that the videos were manipulated.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, he said, “These are manipulated videos. No such incident has taken place. I will discuss the matter with my advocate and decide in this regard.”
He also went to the office of Home Minister G Parameshwara to offer clarification, but reports suggested the minister conveyed through staff that he would not be able to meet him.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked the Home Department to submit a report on the matter.
Reacting to questions from the media in Belagavi, Siddaramaiah had said an inquiry would be conducted and disciplinary action initiated if required, adding that no officer was above the law.
Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra criticised Rao, saying the officer had insulted the entire police department and that strict action should be taken.
The development has also revived focus on earlier controversies involving Rao.
The Karnataka government had placed him on compulsory leave in March 2025 in connection with a gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao, his stepdaughter.
She was arrested on charges of gold smuggling and allegedly misusing her stepfather’s name and official protocol to evade security checks.
Rao was taken back into service recently, before the present controversy erupted.
The government has said the suspension will remain in force pending inquiry, as the matter continues to draw widespread attention and concern.
January 20, 2026, 07:44 IST
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