Bengaluru, Jan 20:
Karnataka DGP Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao has been suspended following the circulation of obscene videos allegedly showing him in intimate acts with a woman inside his office.
The clips, which which has gone viral, allegedly shows the senior IPS officer in uniform engaging in close physical interactions with multiple women during office hours. According to reports, it indicates that the videos appear to have been recorded inside the DGP’s office without consent and feature women visiting on different occasions, with Rao interacting with them while official work was being conducted.
The Karnataka police department confirmed that the videos are under scrutiny, though their authenticity has not been independently verified. An audio clip purportedly linked to the same incident has also started circulating, intensifying public debate and raising questions about conduct in senior police offices under the Siddaramaiah-led government. Although there are no claims of coercion, the alleged incidents taking place inside a government office during duty hours have sparked strong criticism.
DGP Rao has denied the allegations, claiming the videos were fabricated using artificial intelligence (AI) to damage his reputation. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I am shocked. The video is fabricated and false. I have no idea about it. I will explain to the Home Minister that false information is being spread.” He added that the video, alleged to be “old,” dates back approximately eight years when he was posted in Belagavi. Rao also stated he would consult his advocate and pursue legal remedies.
Rao’s suspension order stated that he had acted in an “obscene manner, unbecoming of a government servant, and causing embarrassment to the government.”
The order added that the state government believes his conduct violates service rules.
“The State Government is prima facie satisfied that it is necessary to place Dr K. Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry,” it read.
During the suspension, Rao is not permitted to leave headquarters under any circumstances without written approval from the state government.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier said that the matter would be investigated thoroughly. “Disciplinary action will be initiated if wrongdoing is established. No one is above the law, regardless of seniority,” he said. Reports indicate that Dr. Rao attempted to meet Home Minister G. Parameshwara to clarify his position, but the meeting did not take place.
Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Development, Laxmi Hebbalkar, assured that action would be taken without regard to seniority if any misconduct is confirmed. Opposition leaders and social activists have demanded strict action, highlighting that public trust in the police force has been shaken.