The Karnataka government on Monday suspended senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao with immediate effect, pending an inquiry, after videos allegedly showing him behaving in an “obscene manner” circulated widely across television channels and digital media platforms.
In its suspension order, the state government stated that the officer’s conduct was “unbecoming of a Government Servant” and had caused “embarrassment to the Government.” The action was initiated under Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
Rao, who is currently serving as Director General of Police (DGP), Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, strongly denied the allegations. He claimed the viral video was fabricated and possibly generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“I am shocked. The video is completely false and fabricated. I have no knowledge of how or where it originated,” Rao told reporters, questioning the authenticity of the footage and the intent behind its circulation.
Responding to media queries, Rao later suggested that the clip could be eight years old, allegedly recorded during his posting in Belagavi, but maintained that it did not depict him and was being misused to spread misinformation. He said he would consult his legal counsel and take appropriate steps to clear his name.
Chief Minister Orders Probe
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that a detailed investigation would be conducted and asserted that seniority would not shield anyone from action.
“We will get it investigated. Disciplinary action will be initiated. No one is above the law, regardless of how senior the officer is,” the Chief Minister said.
Following the circulation of the video, the state government proceeded with Rao’s suspension while the inquiry is underway.
Attempt to Meet Home Minister, Background Context
After the controversy surfaced, Rao attempted to meet Home Minister G Parameshwara, but the meeting did not materialise. Speaking to reporters outside the minister’s residence, Rao reiterated that the allegations were baseless and that such incidents were possible in the digital age.
The suspension comes months after Rao was reinstated in August 2025, when the Karnataka government withdrew a compulsory leave order imposed on him earlier in March.
That action followed the arrest of his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, in a high-profile gold smuggling case. Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport after arriving from Dubai. Authorities seized gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore, followed by additional recovery of gold jewellery valued at ₹2.06 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore from her residence. She was accused of misusing police escorts to bypass Customs checks.
Meanwhile, political leaders and civil society members have reacted strongly to the latest development. Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar said the government would act firmly if any wrongdoing was established, irrespective of the officer’s rank.
Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao described the incident as damaging to the image of the police force and stressed the need for accountability within the system.
The investigation into the viral video and related allegations is ongoing.
