Karnataka govt suspends DGP Ramachandra Rao

The Karnataka government on Monday placed DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K. Ramachandra Rao under suspension with immediate effect after videos purportedly showing him in a compromising position were widely circulated on television channels and social media platforms.

In an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), the government said the content of the videos amounted to conduct “unbecoming of a government servant” and had caused embarrassment to the state administration. The order noted that the material, which went viral online, showed the senior IPS officer allegedly acting in an obscene manner, prompting the decision to initiate disciplinary action.

The state government said it was prima facie satisfied that Rao’s conduct violated Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which requires officers to maintain integrity, devotion to duty and behaviour befitting a public servant. Accordingly, he has been placed under suspension pending a departmental inquiry.

Rao has, however, denied the allegations, rejecting the videos as “fabricated and false.” The suspension order does not cite any forensic examination of the footage, and officials said the authenticity of the videos would be examined during the course of the inquiry.

An IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre, Rao was serving as Director General of Police in charge of Civil Rights Enforcement, a department responsible for enforcing laws related to social justice and prevention of atrocities. He has previously held several senior positions in the state police and is known for his academic background and administrative experience.

During the suspension period, Rao will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. His movement has also been restricted, and he has been directed not to leave headquarters without prior permission of the state government.

The order further notes that Rao is the stepfather of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a gold smuggling case. Officials clarified that the case involving the actress is unrelated to the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the senior police officer.