Karnataka Government Suspends DGP K. Ramachandra Rao After Alleged Obscene Videos Surface

Bengaluru, Jan 2026 : The Congress-led Karnataka government on Tuesday suspended senior IPS officer and Director General of Police (DGP) K. Ramachandra Rao pending a departmental inquiry after alleged videos surfaced on social media purportedly showing him engaging in inappropriate and obscene conduct with a woman inside his official office chamber. The development has triggered a major controversy and caused significant embarrassment to the state administration and the Karnataka Police Department.

According to the official suspension order issued by the state government, the videos and related news reports, which were widely broadcast across television channels and digital media platforms, depict conduct that is “unbecoming of a government servant” and has brought disrepute to the government. The order stated that the government had examined the matter and was prima facie satisfied that Rao’s alleged actions amounted to a violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

The order further said that the state government, invoking its powers under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, had decided to place Ramachandra Rao under suspension with immediate effect pending inquiry. During the period of suspension, the officer has been directed not to leave headquarters under any circumstances without obtaining prior written permission from the state government.

“The videos and news reports widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms indicate that Dr K. Ramachandra Rao, DGP, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), has acted in an obscene manner, causing embarrassment to the government,” the order noted. It added that the seriousness of the allegations warranted immediate suspension to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.

The controversy erupted on Monday after purported videos allegedly showing Rao inside his official chamber went viral on social media. The clips reportedly show the senior officer engaging in objectionable conduct with a woman while in uniform. In one of the videos, Rao is seen kissing the woman while seated in his office chair. Another clip allegedly shows him wearing a suit and engaging in similar behaviour in front of the Indian national flag and the official emblem of the Karnataka Police displayed prominently in his chamber. The woman in the videos is also seen cooperating with him.

The circulation of the videos has raised serious concerns about the dignity of the office held by a top police official and the misuse of official premises. The incident has been described as a major embarrassment for the Karnataka Police, particularly as the visuals allegedly show the officer in uniform and within a space meant for official duties.

Responding to the allegations, Ramachandra Rao denied the authenticity of the videos, claiming they were “manipulated.” Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Monday, he said that no such incident had taken place and that the clips circulating online were doctored. “These are manipulated videos. No such incident has occurred. I will consult my advocate and take a decision on the legal course of action,” Rao said.

The controversy has also revived focus on Rao’s earlier troubles. In March 2025, the Karnataka government had placed him on compulsory leave in connection with a gold smuggling case involving jailed actress Ranya Rao, who is his stepdaughter. He was later reinstated. Rao has been accused of allegedly joining hands with Ranya Rao in gold smuggling activities, a charge that prompted the state government to order a separate probe and seek a detailed report.

Ranya Rao was arrested on charges of gold smuggling and for allegedly misusing her stepfather’s name to bypass security checks by availing protocols meant for senior officials. The case had already cast a shadow over Rao’s career, and the latest allegations have further intensified scrutiny of his conduct.

Reacting to the controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday asserted that no official, irrespective of rank, is above the law. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, he said that an inquiry would be conducted into the matter and appropriate disciplinary action would be initiated if the allegations were found to be true. “No senior officer is above the law,” the Chief Minister said, underscoring the government’s stand on accountability.

The suspension of a serving DGP over such allegations is rare and underscores the gravity with which the state government is treating the matter, as the inquiry into the incident is expected to determine the future course of action against the senior officer.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER : The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)