Bengaluru : The Congress-led Karnataka government on Tuesday suspended Director General of Police (DGP) K. Ramachandra Rao pending an inquiry after alleged objectionable videos purportedly showing him with a woman inside his office surfaced on social media.
The senior IPS officer, currently serving as DGP, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), has also been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission from the state government during the period of suspension.
In its suspension order, the government stated that videos and news reports widely broadcast across television channels and digital media platforms showed Dr K. Ramachandra Rao acting in an “obscene manner,” which is “unbecoming of a government servant” and has caused embarrassment to the government.
“Whereas, the state government has examined the said matter and is convinced that the conduct of the officer is in violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, the government is prima facie satisfied that it is necessary to place DGP Ramachandra Rao under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry,” the order said.
The order further noted that the suspension has been effected under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. It added that during the suspension period, Rao “shall not leave the headquarters, under any circumstances, without the written permission of the state government.”
The move follows the circulation of purported videos on Monday that allegedly showed Ramachandra Rao engaging in objectionable conduct with a woman inside his official chamber. In one clip, he is seen kissing the woman while seated in his office in police uniform. Another video allegedly shows similar conduct while he is dressed in a suit, with the Indian flag and the Karnataka Police emblem visible in the background. The woman is also seen cooperating with him in the clips.
The videos triggered widespread outrage and embarrassment for the Karnataka Police Department, as they circulated rapidly across social media platforms and messaging apps, raising serious concerns about the conduct of a senior police officer.
Responding to the allegations, Ramachandra Rao denied the claims, asserting that the videos were manipulated. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Monday, he said, “These are manipulated videos. No such incident has taken place. I will discuss the matter with my advocate and take a decision in this regard.”
The controversy comes amid earlier allegations against the officer. In March 2025, the Karnataka government had placed Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave in connection with a gold smuggling case. He was reinstated recently. He is accused of having links with jailed actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested for gold smuggling and allegedly misused her stepfather’s name to evade security checks by availing protocol meant for officials.
The state government had earlier ordered a probe into the gold smuggling allegations involving Rao and sought a detailed report.
Reacting to the latest controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Monday that no officer is above the law and that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken if warranted. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, the Chief Minister said an inquiry would be conducted into the matter and action initiated based on its findings.
“No senior officer is above the law,” Siddaramaiah said.
