Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao Suspended Following Viral Video Controversy

New Delhi, january 20, 2026: In a significant move that has sent shockwaves through the state’s administration, the Karnataka government has placed Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement) K. Ramachandra Rao under immediate suspension. The action follows the viral spread of a controversial video purportedly showing the senior IPS officer in a “compromising position” within his official chamber.

The suspension order, issued late Monday night, January 19, 2026, cited conduct “unbecoming of a government servant” and noted that the incident has caused considerable embarrassment to the state government.

Details of the Controversy

The controversy erupted after a 47-second video—reportedly a compilation of three separate clips—began circulating on social media and local news channels. The footage allegedly shows Rao, a 1993-batch IPS officer, engaging in intimate acts with a woman inside his office.

Observers noted that in parts of the video, the officer appears in full uniform, while in others, he is seen in a suit with the Indian national flag and the Police Department emblem visible in the background. While the exact timing of the recording remains unclear, some reports suggest the clips may have been recorded over a year ago.

Government’s Firm Stance

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took a stern view of the matter, emphasizing that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of their rank.

“No matter how senior the officer is, disciplinary action will be taken if there is misconduct. We will investigate the matter thoroughly; no one is above the law,” the Chief Minister stated.

The official suspension order from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) highlighted violations of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. Under the terms of his suspension:

• Rao is barred from leaving the headquarters without written permission.
• He will receive a subsistence allowance as per standard disciplinary rules.
• A formal inquiry has been initiated to verify the authenticity of the footage.

Rao Denies Allegations, Claims “Fabrication”

In his defense, DGP Ramachandra Rao has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the videos “fabricated and false.” Following the leak, Rao attempted to meet with Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara to explain his side, though the meeting reportedly did not take place.

Speaking to reporters, Rao expressed shock, suggesting the videos might be manipulated or from a much older period. “I am trying to understand how and when this happened. In this era, anything can happen. These are fabricated lies,” he claimed, adding that he intends to pursue legal action against those spreading the footage.

A Career Under Scrutiny

This is not the first time the senior officer has faced public scrutiny. Rao was previously in the headlines due to a high-profile gold smuggling case involving his stepdaughter, Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested in 2025. Additionally, his past tenure as IGP of the Southern Range was marked by a controversial cash seizure case in 2014.

As the state government moves forward with the inquiry, the incident has sparked a wider debate regarding the ethics and conduct of high-ranking officials in public office.