The Karnataka state government has taken a decisive step by suspending senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao, who held the rank of Director General of. Police (DGP), following the viral spread of an explicit video. The footage, which allegedly shows the officer in a compromising position with a woman inside his official chamber, has sparked massive outrage across the state. This incident has not only tarnished the image of the police force but has also put the ruling government in a tight spot regarding administrative discipline and moral conduct of high-ranking officials.
CM Siddaramaiah Orders Strict Inquiry
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the media shortly after the suspension order was issued, emphasizing that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards such misconduct. He stated that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of their seniority or position in the hierarchy. The Chief Minister confirmed that he received information about the video in the morning and immediately directed the concerned authorities to initiate disciplinary proceedings, while a high-level probe has been ordered to verify the authenticity of the video and investigate the circumstances under which it was recorded.
DGP Rao Claims Conspiracy and Morphing
In his defense, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the video a complete fabrication. He claimed that the footage is morphed and edited using advanced technology to frame him and damage his reputation. Rao expressed shock over the incident and stated that he's consulting with his legal team to take further action against those responsible for circulating the video. Despite his claims of innocence, the government decided to proceed with the suspension to ensure an unbiased investigation into the matter.
Details of the Viral Footage
Reports suggest that the viral clips appear to be recorded secretly within the DGP's office. The footage allegedly shows the officer interacting inappropriately with different women on various occasions, as indicated by the change in attire in different segments of the video. The fact that such activities allegedly took place within a high-security government office has raised serious questions about the misuse of official premises. The forensic department is expected to examine the digital footprints of the video to determine if it was tampered with or if it's genuine CCTV footage.
A Career Marred by Persistent Controversies
K. Ramachandra Rao is no stranger to controversies, as his career has been dotted with several high-profile allegations over the past decade. In 2014, while serving as the IGP of the Southern Zone, he faced accusations. Of embezzling funds recovered during a robbery investigation in Mysuru involving over 2 crore rupees. Although he was later cleared by the CID, the incident led to his immediate transfer. Plus, in 2017, his name surfaced in connection with a controversial police encounter in Belagavi, though investigators eventually found no evidence of his direct involvement.
Bitcoin Allegations and Daughter's Legal Troubles
More recently, in 2024, Rao faced scrutiny over alleged investments in Bitcoin through his son's accounts. However, the most significant blow to his reputation came when his daughter, Ranya Rao, was arrested in connection with a gold smuggling syndicate. Following that scandal, the government had initially sent him on mandatory leave, but. He was later reinstated as the DGP of the Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) wing. With his daughter currently in judicial custody and this new video scandal emerging, the senior officer finds himself in the middle of a perfect storm that could potentially end his long administrative career.