Bengaluru: Karnataka Police is once again embroiled in controversy following the viral circulation of a video allegedly showing DGP Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao in inappropriate conduct with a woman inside his office at the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has suspended Dr. Rao pending investigation into the matter.
Dr. Rao has denied the authenticity of the footage, describing it as “false and fabricated.” Speaking to reporters, he stated, “I am trying to understand when and how this happened, and who is behind it. I have no information about it. If the video is old, it dates back eight years to when I was posted in Belagavi.”
Profile of Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer currently serving as Director General of Police at the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement in Karnataka. He assumed this post after being reinstated in August 2025, following previous administrative actions taken by the state government.
Throughout his career, Dr. Rao has held several leadership positions within the police force. He previously served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation. In September 2023, he was promoted to DGP. His colleagues recognize him for his expertise in urban policing and project management, although he has faced multiple departmental inquiries and legal investigations during his tenure.
Dr. Rao has also served as Additional DGP of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force and as Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Southern Range, building a long career in Karnataka policing.
Daughter Ranya Rao in Jail
A notable controversy during Dr. Rao’s tenure involved his daughter, Ranya Rao. In March 2025, she was detained at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly carrying 14.2 kg of gold worth approximately ₹12.56 crore from Dubai. Investigations indicated procedural lapses and raised questions about the misuse of official influence linked to the DGP’s office. Ranya Rao remains in jail.
Previous Leave and Reinstatement
Following the gold smuggling incident, the Karnataka government placed Dr. Rao on compulsory leave in March 2025 while a panel led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta investigated the allegations. Dr. Rao maintained that he had no involvement in the case. Later, his leave was revoked, and he was posted to the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement.
Earlier Controversies (2014 Case)
Dr. Rao’s career has faced scrutiny before. In early 2014, during his tenure as Southern Range IGP, his name surfaced in a cash seizure controversy. Police allegedly seized ₹20 lakh from a private bus en route to Calicut, while traders claimed the actual amount was ₹2.27 crore and accused police of collusion.
The latest video controversy has once again placed Dr. Rao and the Karnataka Police in the spotlight, highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability and the conduct of senior officials in the force.
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