Bengaluru: A fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka after a video allegedly recorded inside a government office surfaced in the public domain, purportedly showing a DGP-rank IPS officer engaging in inappropriate conduct during official working hours. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and placed the Karnataka government under intense pressure to respond decisively.
The video is said to involve Dr. Ramachandra Rao, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Director General of Police (DGP) rank, who is currently serving as the Director General of Police, Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate.
Video Allegedly Shot Inside DGP’s Office Goes Public
According to sources, the video was secretly recorded inside the DGP’s office and has since circulated widely. The footage allegedly shows the senior police officer interacting closely with women during duty hours.
Reports suggest that:
- The women visited the office on different occasions
- They were dressed differently each time, indicating multiple visits
- The officer was allegedly seen hugging and kissing the women
- The acts reportedly took place while the officer was in uniform and on duty
While there is no allegation of coercion or force, the conduct shown in the video has drawn severe criticism for violating the standards of dignity, discipline, and ethical conduct expected from a senior police official.
Officer Currently Heads Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate
Dr. Ramachandra Rao is a DGP-rank IPS officer currently posted as the head of the Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate, a wing responsible for safeguarding civil rights and enforcing constitutional protections.
The irony of the situation has not been lost on observers, who note that the alleged conduct, if proven, stands in stark contrast to the responsibilities of the office he holds.
Outrage Over Conduct During Duty Hours
The controversy has sparked outrage across political, administrative, and civil society circles, primarily because:
- The alleged acts occurred inside a government office
- They reportedly took place during official working hours
- The officer holds one of the highest ranks in the police hierarchy
Experts and former officials have pointed out that such conduct, if authenticated, could seriously undermine:
- The moral authority of the police force
- Public trust in law enforcement institutions
- Internal discipline within the police department
Matter Reaches CM Siddaramaiah, Government Response Awaited
Sources indicate that the video has reached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is said to be angered by the development. The Chief Minister has reportedly taken note of the incident, though no official statement has been issued so far.
With the controversy now in the public domain, attention has turned to:
- The authenticity of the video
- Whether a departmental inquiry will be ordered
- The possibility of disciplinary or legal action
Political and administrative circles are closely monitoring the situation, as the state government’s response is likely to set a precedent on accountability at the highest levels of the bureaucracy.
Accountability of Senior Officials Under Scrutiny
The episode has once again brought the issue of accountability of senior government officials into sharp focus. Unlike previous scandals involving political figures, this case reportedly involves a serving top police officer, intensifying public expectations of swift and transparent action.
As of now, no official clarification or response has been issued by either the officer concerned or the Karnataka government. The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining the course of action.
