Viral Video Triggers Political and Administrative Uproar
The Karnataka government on Tuesday suspended senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao after a video allegedly showing him in a compromising position went viral on social media. As a result, the clip triggered widespread political outrage and administrative concern across the state. Rao serves as Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement). Following the video’s circulation, the government acted swiftly and placed him under suspension pending inquiry. The incident quickly dominated public debate and raised serious questions about accountability within police leadership.
Rao Rejects Allegations and Denies Authenticity
Meanwhile, Rao strongly denied the allegations and described the viral video as fabricated. Speaking to news agency PTI, he said he felt shocked by the claims and had no knowledge of the clip’s origin. “It is all false and completely fabricated. I have no idea how this video surfaced,” he said. Moreover, Rao questioned who could be behind the circulation and why it appeared at this time. He repeated that the allegations had no factual basis.
CM Siddaramaiah Orders Probe and Warns of Action
Following the controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a formal investigation into the matter. He stressed that seniority would not protect any officer from action. “We will get it investigated. No one is above the law, irrespective of how senior the officer is,” the chief minister said. Consequently, the state government initiated disciplinary proceedings and suspended Rao while the probe continues. Officials said they would take further action after investigators submit their findings.
Earlier Ranya Rao Case Brings Renewed Scrutiny
Earlier, the government reinstated Rao in August last year after withdrawing a compulsory leave order. However, the latest suspension has revived focus on a past controversy involving his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao. In March, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence arrested her at Bengaluru airport in a high-profile gold smuggling case. Officers seized gold worth ₹12.56 crore and later recovered jewellery and cash from her residence. Investigators accused her of misusing police escorts to bypass customs checks. As a result, the renewed controversy has again placed the senior officer under intense scrutiny.
