Karnataka IPS Officer Faces Suspension Over Viral Video Controversy
A senior IPS officer from Karnataka finds himself at the center of a major controversy. The state government suspended Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao on Monday. This action followed the circulation of a video that allegedly showed him in a compromising position.
Officer Denies Video Authenticity, Calls It Fabricated
Ramachandra Rao, a 1993-batch Karnataka cadre officer, strongly rejected the allegations. He stated the viral video is completely false and fabricated. Speaking to PTI outside Home Minister G Parameshwara's residence, he expressed shock.
"I am shocked. It is all fabricated, a lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it," Rao told the news agency. He further questioned the clip's origin, saying, "I am also thinking how and when it happened and who has done it. In this era, anything can happen. I have no idea about it."
Government Takes Swift Action Citing Conduct Issues
The Karnataka government acted promptly by suspending Rao from his position as Director General of Police for Civil Rights Enforcement. An official order from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms cited specific reasons.
The order noted that videos and news reports broadcast on public platforms showed Rao "acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a Government Servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government." This led to the immediate disciplinary action.
This Marks Second Major Controversy for the Officer
This incident represents the second time Ramachandra Rao has made headlines recently. Previously, he came into the spotlight due to his stepdaughter's high-profile gold smuggling case.
In March, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence arrested actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. Officials seized gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from her possession upon arrival from Dubai.
Additional searches at her Bengaluru residence yielded another ₹2.06 crore in gold and ₹2.67 crore in cash. The 34-year-old faced accusations of misusing police escorts during these activities.
Officer's Recent Reinstatement Preceded Current Suspension
Interestingly, the Karnataka government had only recently reinstated Ramachandra Rao. Last August, he received appointment as DGP of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement.
This development came after the state withdrew a compulsory leave order imposed on him in March. That earlier leave coincided with his stepdaughter's arrest in the gold smuggling case.
The viral video has triggered significant political and administrative discussions across Karnataka. As the suspended officer maintains his innocence, authorities continue their investigation into the matter. The 59-year-old IPS officer's career now faces another serious challenge following this latest controversy.
