Viral Objectionable Video Controversy: Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao Suspended

The Karnataka government has placed senior IPS officer Dr K Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police (DGP), Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), under suspension with immediate effect after alleged objectionable videos involving him surfaced on social media.

The suspension follows the circulation of purported videos that allegedly show Rao behaving inappropriately with a woman inside his official chamber. The issue quickly drew public attention after the clips were widely shared online and broadcast by several news outlets, prompting the state government to initiate swift action.

In a detailed suspension order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), the government cited the widespread circulation of the videos and related media coverage as the basis for its decision. The order noted that the content had been “widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms.”

The suspension 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."

After examining the matter, the state government said it was prima facie satisfied that the officer’s conduct amounted to a violation of service rules. The order specifically referred to Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which outlines standards of integrity, propriety and behaviour expected of officers.




Elaborating further, the order said, “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,"

Accordingly, the government invoked its powers under disciplinary rules to formalise the suspension. The order stated, “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 receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with Rule 4 of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969. He has also been restricted from leaving the headquarters without prior written permission from the state government.

The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged videos, which reportedly show the officer engaging in intimate behaviour inside his office. The case has sparked widespread discussion, with the government emphasising that the suspension is an interim measure pending the outcome of the investigation.

More details have surfaced in the controversy involving senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, as reports continue to describe the contents of the viral videos that led to his suspension by the Karnataka government.

According to reports, one of the clips allegedly shows Rao seated inside his office in police uniform, kissing a woman. Another purported video shows him wearing a formal suit and engaging in similar behaviour in front of the Indian flag and the police department’s emblem. The visuals, widely circulated on social media platforms, quickly drew public attention.

In both clips, the woman’s face was blurred. The videos were reportedly shared with background music and captions, adding to the controversy and triggering widespread discussion online and in the media.

Responding to the allegations, Rao strongly denied any wrongdoing and claimed the videos were not genuine. 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."

Following the emergence of the videos, Rao reportedly visited the office of Home Minister G Parameshwara to offer his explanation. However, reports suggested that the minister conveyed through his staff that he would not be able to meet the officer at that time.

The issue has since reached the highest levels of the state government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the Home Department to submit a report on the matter. Reacting to questions from the media in Belagavi, the Chief Minister said an inquiry would be conducted and disciplinary action would be initiated if required, adding that no officer was above the law.

The controversy has also drawn strong political reactions. Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra criticised Rao, stating that the officer had brought disrepute to the entire police department and that strict action should be taken.

The developments have revived focus on Rao’s earlier controversies. In March 2025, the Karnataka government had placed him on compulsory leave in connection with a gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao, his stepdaughter. She was arrested on charges of gold smuggling and was accused of misusing her stepfather’s name and official protocol to evade security checks. Rao was later reinstated before the present controversy erupted.

The state government has maintained that Rao’s suspension will remain in force pending the outcome of the inquiry, as the case continues to draw widespread attention and concern across the state.