The Karnataka government has suspended senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, DGP of Civil Rights Enforcement, following a viral video on social media showing alleged inappropriate behavior. Rao has denied the allegations, claiming the video is fake and AI-generated. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered an inquiry into the matter.
On January 20, 2026, Karnataka's DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao was suspended following a viral video that allegedly shows him engaging in inappropriate behavior with women in his office. The video surfaced on social media on Monday, appearing to be a compilation of multiple clips, though its authenticity has not been independently verified.
The suspension order, issued on January 19, 2026, states that Rao's conduct was 'obscene' and in violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. It places him under suspension pending inquiry, with subsistence allowance provided, but he cannot leave headquarters without permission.
Rao has vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "This is a systematic conspiracy to tarnish my image and destroy my professional reputation. The video is completely manipulated and created using AI technology." Speaking to reporters, he claimed it was fabricated from footage eight years old, from his posting in Belagavi, but reiterated no connection to him. After the video went viral, he attempted to meet Home Minister G Parameshwara but was unsuccessful.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking to reporters in Belagavi, said, "No matter how senior the officer is, disciplinary action will be taken if there is misconduct." He noted the video consists of three stitched clips and assured an investigation. Opposition parties accused the government of shielding Rao; BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called it a collapse of law and order.
This incident follows Rao's previous controversy. In March 2025, his stepdaughter and actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru's airport upon returning from Dubai, with 14.8 kg of gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore seized from her. Her residence yielded ₹2.06 crore in jewelry and ₹2.67 crore in cash. Rao was then sent on compulsory leave but reinstated in August 2025. A 1993-batch IPS officer, he was promoted to DGP in September 2023.
