Karnataka DGP Suspended: Senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao faces probe over viral clips and renewed scrutiny linked to a past gold smuggling case involving his stepdaughter
The Karnataka government has placed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer K Ramachandra Rao under immediate suspension following the circulation of controversial video clips on social media that allegedly show him in a compromising situation inside his official chamber.
Rao, a 1993-batch IPS officer who was serving as Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement), was suspended on Sunday. The state government cited “conduct unbecoming of a government servant” and violations of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, stating that the incident had brought serious embarrassment to the administration.
Viral Video Controversy
The controversy erupted after several television channels and social media platforms broadcast video clips and audio recordings purportedly involving the senior officer.
The Allegations:
The footage allegedly shows Rao, dressed in his official uniform, engaging in intimate conduct with a woman inside his office during working hours.
Audio Recordings:
Two audio clips have also surfaced, reportedly featuring conversations between a police officer and a woman, further fuelling the controversy.
Rao’s Response:
Rao has strongly denied the authenticity of the visuals, describing them as “fabricated, false, and manipulated.” He claimed the clips may have been generated using artificial intelligence or pieced together from old footage dating back nearly eight years to his posting in Belagavi.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first instance where Rao has faced public and administrative scrutiny during his career.
Gold Smuggling Case (2025)
In March 2025, Rao’s stepdaughter, Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya, was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport in connection with a major gold smuggling operation.
- The Case: Ranya was allegedly caught smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth over Rs 12.5 crore from Dubai.
- Official Link: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) alleged that she may have exploited her stepfather’s official influence to bypass security checks.
- Fallout: Rao was placed on compulsory leave during the probe but was reinstated in August 2025, a decision that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Administrative Lapses (2014)
Earlier, during his tenure as Inspector General of Police (Southern Range), Rao’s name surfaced in a controversy related to a large cash seizure near Mysuru. Discrepancies between the officially reported seizure amount and the figure claimed by the accused led to a CID inquiry, which flagged serious supervisory lapses.
Government’s Stand
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara have adopted a strict stance on the latest controversy.
“No one is above the law, irrespective of rank or position,” the Chief Minister said, confirming that a formal inquiry has been initiated.
As part of the suspension conditions, Rao has been barred from leaving headquarters without prior written permission and will be entitled to a subsistence allowance. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Women’s Commission has called for a transparent and stringent investigation into the matter.
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