Desk Correspondent , Karnataka - The Karnataka government has placed senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement), under immediate suspension following the viral spread of an "obscene" video allegedly filmed inside his office. The footage, which appeared on television and digital platforms on Monday, January 19, 2026, reportedly shows the officer in a compromising position with a woman while in uniform. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressing deep concern, ordered a high-level probe, asserting that no officer—regardless of seniority—is above the law.

Rao has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling the video a "fabricated lie" and a "systematic conspiracy" designed to tarnish his professional reputation. He contends that the clips were generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and claimed he had no prior knowledge of the footage. However, the state’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, stated that the incident has caused "immense embarrassment" to the government and the police department. The minister signaled that if the inquiry proves the footage to be authentic, Rao could face permanent dismissal from service.

This suspension comes just months after Rao was reinstated to his post following a period of compulsory leave. He had previously faced administrative action in early 2025 after his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a high-profile gold smuggling case involving assets worth over ₹14 crore. While under suspension, Rao is barred from performing official duties or leaving his headquarters without permission. The incident has triggered a political firestorm, with opposition parties demanding his immediate arrest and a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of his official chamber.