A major controversy has erupted in Karnataka after a purported video allegedly showing a senior IPS officer of Director General of Police rank in a compromising situation inside his office went viral on social media, sending shockwaves through the police establishment.
The officer involved is K. Ramachandra Rao, a 1993-batch IPS officer serving as Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement. The viral visuals allegedly show him behaving inappropriately with women during office hours. Sources said the footage is believed to have been recorded nearly eight years ago when he was posted as Inspector General of Police of the Belagavi Range.
Initially speaking to reporters, Ramachandra Rao claimed the videos were old and had been deliberately released with malicious intent. However, he later denied the authenticity of the clips, stating that they were fabricated and part of a conspiracy against him. He said he would consult his legal counsel and decide on further action.
The contradictory statements have raised serious questions and intensified public scrutiny. Ramachandra Rao is also known as the adoptive father of actress Ranya Rao, which has added to the attention surrounding the episode.
With just about four months left for his retirement, the timing of the video release has caused considerable embarrassment within senior police circles. Acting swiftly, the Karnataka government placed Ramachandra Rao under suspension pending a detailed inquiry, citing conduct unbecoming of a senior officer.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a thorough probe into the matter and indicated that strict departmental action would be initiated if the allegations are established. The incident has once again sparked debate on accountability, discipline, and ethical conduct at the highest levels of the police force.
