Suspended IPS Officer Denies Allegations Amidst Video Controversy
Suspended IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao has firmly denied all allegations against him. This denial comes after unverified videos surfaced on social media platforms. The videos allegedly show him in compromising situations. These clips have placed him at the center of a major controversy. The controversy has shaken the Karnataka police establishment deeply.
Government Acts Swiftly with Suspension and Probe
The Karnataka government responded within hours of the controversy erupting. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a formal inquiry into the matter. He made it clear that seniority would not protect the officer from scrutiny. Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the immediate suspension of Rao. The suspension cites conduct unbecoming of a government servant. Parameshwara expressed deep disturbance over the incident.
The official order states the government is prima facie satisfied. It believes Rao's conduct violated Rule 3 of the All India Services Rules from 1968. This violation warrants disciplinary proceedings. Parameshwara emphasized caution in such situations. He avoided meeting Rao after the videos surfaced. The home minister also mentioned dismissal remains an option. This depends entirely on the inquiry findings.
Rao's Strong Defense Against Viral Videos
K Ramachandra Rao rejected the allegations outright as videos went viral. Television channels and social media platforms circulated the clips widely. The senior officer called the material completely fabricated and false. He expressed shock at the developments. Rao stated he has no idea about the videos' origin. He suggested the footage could be eight years old from his time in Belagavi.
The officer plans to consult his advocate before taking further steps. Rao claimed false information is being spread deliberately. He believes this aims to malign his reputation and scuttle his career. His defense comes amid growing public and political outrage.
Political Backlash and Public Outrage Intensify
The controversy triggered sharp political reactions across Karnataka. The opposition BJP accused the government of shielding Rao in the past. Former minister S Suresh Kumar called the alleged acts an inexcusable crime. He said this has brought a blot on the entire police department. Kumar emphasized the erosion of public trust in police forces.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar promised merciless action. She said the government would act firmly if wrongdoing gets established. This action would come irrespective of the officer's seniority position.
Social activists have also stepped into the controversy. Ballari-based Anna Foundation chief Rajshekar Mulali wrote to the Prime Minister's Office. He sought legal action against Rao for alleged misuse of public office. Advocate Dinesh Kallahalli filed complaints with the chief secretary. He demanded disciplinary action under All India Services rules.
Audio Clips Add Another Layer to Controversy
The row deepened further with the circulation of two audio clips. These clips allegedly feature a conversation between a police officer and a woman. Their authenticity could not be independently verified yet. However, they added significantly to political and public outrage. The state government confirmed these recordings would also be examined. They will form part of the comprehensive inquiry process.
Gold Smuggling Case Background Resurfaces
Running parallel to the sleaze-video controversy is a high-profile gold smuggling case. This case involves Rao's stepdaughter, Kannada actor Ranya Rao. It first brought the officer under uncomfortable public focus. Ranya was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence at Kempegowda International Airport. She allegedly smuggled nearly 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. The gold's value exceeded Rs 12.56 crore.
Investigators found the gold concealed in a specially designed belt. Official records show Ranya made 34 to 45 solo trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025. This raised suspicions about her acting as a carrier for a larger network. Searches during investigation led to significant seizures. Authorities recovered gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore. They also found Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her premises.
Protocol Privilege Under Serious Scanner
A key aspect complicated the gold smuggling case significantly. Investigators found alleged misuse of protocol facilities. Ranya was frequently escorted out of the airport by a police constable. This constable was deployed for protocol duties normally extended to senior bureaucrats. The constable told investigators he had standing instructions to receive her. He claimed unawareness of any smuggling activity.
This episode raised serious questions about access and influence. It highlighted potential misuse of official privilege in concerning ways. Amid growing scrutiny, central agencies stepped in. The Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate became involved. The Karnataka government directed Rao to go on compulsory leave. This happened when he was heading the Karnataka Police Housing Corporation.
Rao publicly distanced himself from his stepdaughter's actions at that time. He stated she got married four months earlier and hadn't visited since. The officer expressed complete unawareness of her business dealings. He described the situation as a huge shock and disappointment. Rao affirmed that the law would take its proper course.
Officials described the move as purely administrative. They aimed to avoid embarrassment as the probe widened considerably. From Bengaluru central prison, Ranya later wrote a five-page letter. She addressed senior DRI officials in this communication. Ranya denied her father's involvement in the smuggling case. She alleged custodial assault by officials. The letter claimed officials threatened to expose her father's identity. Ranya said she was forced to sign multiple typed and blank pages.
Central agencies have rejected these allegations firmly. They maintain that all proper procedures were followed throughout the investigation.
What Lies Ahead for the Controversy
K Ramachandra Rao remains under suspension currently. This suspension continues pending a detailed inquiry process. The authenticity of videos and audio clips will be central to the probe. This investigation could determine several possible outcomes. The matter might end in reinstatement for the officer. Alternatively, it could lead to extended disciplinary action. Dismissal remains a distinct possibility depending on findings.
For the Karnataka government, this episode has become a crucial test. It tests both credibility and decisiveness in handling sensitive matters. The government's response will be watched closely by all stakeholders. Public trust in police administration hangs in the balance. Political implications could be significant as elections approach. The coming weeks will reveal how this complex controversy ultimately resolves.
