Karnataka: The Karnataka government suspended senior IPS officer K. Ramachandran Rao, who serves as Director General of Police of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), following the circulation of videos on social media that allegedly depict him engaging in inappropriate conduct inside his office.
An official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms said the decision was taken after video clips and related reports were widely shared across news channels and digital platforms. The government noted that the alleged conduct, as seen in the footage, was indecent and inconsistent with the standards expected of a senior government official, bringing disrepute to the administration.
According to the order, the state conducted a preliminary examination of the material in circulation and found sufficient grounds to believe that Rao’s actions amounted to a violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. Based on this assessment, he has been placed under suspension under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, pending a formal inquiry.
During the suspension period, Rao will remain entitled to a subsistence allowance in accordance with service rules. He has also been directed not to leave his headquarters without prior written approval from the state government.
The suspension comes after multiple videos, widely shared online, allegedly showed the officer behaving intimately with a woman inside his official chamber. In some clips, he is purportedly seen in uniform, with official insignia such as the Indian flag and police emblem visible in the background. The woman’s identity has not been disclosed, and her face appeared blurred in the circulated footage.
Rao has strongly denied the allegations, claiming the videos are fabricated and misleading. However, the controversy escalated as the visuals gained traction online, prompting swift action from the government.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said strict action would follow if the allegations are proven, while sources indicated that Rao’s efforts to explain his position to Home Minister G Parameshwara did not lead to any immediate relief.
The development has drawn added attention due to Rao’s personal connection to an ongoing high-profile investigation. He is the stepfather of Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, who was recently arrested in a gold smuggling case and is currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail.
Further proceedings in the case will depend on the outcome of the departmental inquiry ordered by the state government.
