Bengaluru/New Delhi: The Karnataka government has suspended senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao (IPS:1993:KN), a Director General of Police (DGP)-rank officer, following allegations of obscene and inappropriate conduct, after videos and audio clips purportedly involving him went viral on social media. The suspension comes pending a detailed departmental inquiry into the matter.
Suspension Order and Legal Basis
According to a suspension order issued late on Monday (January 19, 2026), the state government concluded that Rao had acted in a manner “unbecoming of a government servant”, thereby causing embarrassment to the government.
The order states that there is a prima facie violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which mandates integrity, propriety, and ethical conduct from members of the All India Services.
The suspension has been enforced under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, and will remain in force pending completion of the inquiry.
During the suspension period:
- Rao has been barred from leaving headquarters without prior permission
- He will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per applicable service rules
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Alleged Obscene Conduct and Viral Videos
The disciplinary action follows the circulation of videos allegedly showing Rao behaving inappropriately with a woman inside his official office, while in uniform.
Additionally, two audio recordings purportedly involving Rao were also released and circulated widely.
The videos, which began trending on January 19, 2026, triggered widespread public outrage and political criticism, prompting swift action by the state government.
Denial and Claim of AI Fabrication
Rao has categorically denied all allegations, asserting that:
- The video clips are fabricated
- They have been created using artificial intelligence (AI) technology
- The content was circulated to malign his reputation and damage his career
He has stated that he will initiate legal action after consulting his advocate.
Government’s Response
Reacting to the controversy, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the government acted promptly once the matter came to light.
He confirmed that:
- A formal inquiry has been ordered
- Depending on the findings, further action, including dismissal, could be taken
- Earlier Controversy: Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
This is not the first time Rao has faced scrutiny.
In March 2025, his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold, valued at approximately ₹12.56 crore, through Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, after arriving from Dubai.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) alleged that:
- Normal airport checks were bypassed
- A police constable attached to Rao’s office assisted with protocol
The assistance was allegedly provided under “standing instructions” linked to the DGP’s establishment
Following these allegations:
- The Karnataka government placed Rao on compulsory leave on March 15, 2025
- He remained on leave for nearly five months
- He was reinstated in mid-August 2025 and posted to the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE)
Rao had distanced himself from the smuggling case, stating that “the law should take its own course.”
Career Profile of K. Ramachandra Rao
Personal Details
Age: 58
Native Place: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Educational Background
Post-Graduation: Science (from Guntur)
Doctorate: Holds doctoral credentials and is often addressed as “Dr.”
Policing Career and Key Postings
With over three decades of service, Rao has held several senior positions in Karnataka Police:
ASP, Davanagere
SP, Koppal and Kodagu districts
Commissioner of Police, Hubli-Dharwad
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Southern Range
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force
ADGP, Bengaluru (various portfolios)
Chairman & Managing Director, Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd
Promoted to DGP rank in September 2023
Appointed Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) in August 2025
He was serving as DGP, DCRE at the time of his suspension and was due to retire in May 2026.
Past Allegations and Departmental Scrutiny
Rao’s career has previously intersected with controversies:
2014 Mysuru Cash Seizure Case
During his tenure as IGP, Southern Range:
Mysuru South Police intercepted a bus near Yelwal
Police claimed seizure of ₹20 lakh
Merchants alleged the actual amount was ₹2.27 crore
Allegations surfaced of police collusion to misappropriate funds, as reported by The Week
Family Connections and Renewed Media Focus
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao is the stepfather of actor Ranya Rao, who is currently in jail in the gold smuggling case.
Ranya Rao had recently married Jatin Hukkeri in a high-profile ceremony at Taj West End, Bengaluru, and had reportedly made four trips to Dubai within 15 days, which became part of the investigation narrative.
The resurfacing of both the smuggling case and the viral office videos has intensified scrutiny on Rao and his family.
What Lies Ahead
The suspension order clarifies that:
- The action is administrative, pending inquiry
- Final outcomes will depend on findings of the investigation
The case does not preclude future disciplinary or criminal proceedings
Read also: Controversy Erupts in Karnataka After Alleged Viral Video of DGP-Rank Officer Goes Public
