Suspended IPS Officer Denies Allegations as Sleaze Videos Spark Political Storm in Karnataka
Suspended IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao has firmly denied all allegations against him. Unverified videos showing him in a compromising position surfaced on social media platforms. This development has placed the officer at the center of a major controversy. The Karnataka police establishment feels rattled by the incident. The state government has taken swift action in response.
Officer's Strong Denial as Videos Go Viral
K Ramachandra Rao served as DGP for Civil Rights Enforcement before his suspension. Television channels and social media began circulating the controversial videos. Rao immediately rejected the allegations. He called the material completely fabricated and false.
"I am shocked. It is all fabricated, lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it," Rao told reporters. He added that in this era anything can happen. The officer suggested the footage could be old. He mentioned it might be from eight years ago when he was posted in Belagavi. Rao said he would consult his advocate before taking further steps. He also claimed that false information was being spread to malign him. The officer believes someone wants to scuttle his career.
Government Takes Immediate Action
The Karnataka government acted within hours of the controversy erupting. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a thorough probe into the matter. He made it clear that seniority would not shield the officer from consequences.
Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the suspension. Rao has been placed under suspension with immediate effect. The government cited conduct unbecoming of a government servant. Officials also mentioned the embarrassment caused to the state administration.
"CM Siddaramaiah and myself are deeply disturbed by this incident. Since this relates to my department, it doesn't seem good to me," Parameshwara stated. The official order said the government was prima facie satisfied. The officer's conduct violated Rule 3 of the All India Services Rules from 1968. This warrants disciplinary proceedings against him.
Parameshwara said he consciously avoided meeting Rao after the videos surfaced. He stressed that in such a situation one has to be cautious. The Home Minister added that dismissal remains an option. This depends entirely on the findings of the inquiry.
Political Reactions and Public Outrage
The controversy triggered sharp political reactions across Karnataka. The opposition BJP criticized the government strongly. They accused the administration 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 believes public trust in the police has eroded significantly.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar made a strong statement. She said the government would act mercilessly if wrongdoing gets established. This action will come irrespective of the officer's seniority.
Social activists have also stepped into the controversy. Ballari-based Anna Foundation chief Rajshekar Mulali wrote to important offices. He sent letters to the Prime Minister's Office and the department of personnel and training. Mulali seeks legal action against Rao for alleged misuse of public office and uniform.
Advocate Dinesh Kallahalli filed formal complaints with the chief secretary. He seeks disciplinary action under the All India Services rules.
Audio Clips Add Another Layer to Controversy
The row deepened further with the circulation of two audio clips. These allegedly feature a conversation between a police officer and a woman. Their authenticity could not be independently verified yet. However, the clips added to political and public outrage significantly.
The state government said the audio recordings will also be examined. They will form part of the comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
Gold Smuggling Case Background
Running parallel to the sleaze-video row is a high-profile gold smuggling case. This involves Rao's stepdaughter, Kannada actor Ranya Rao. The case first brought the officer under uncomfortable public focus.
Ranya was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. The arrest happened at Kempegowda International Airport. She allegedly smuggled nearly 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. The gold was valued at over Rs 12.56 crore. Investigators said the gold was concealed in a specially designed belt.
According to official records cited by investigators, Ranya made numerous solo trips to Dubai. She took between 34 to 45 trips between 2023 and 2025. This raised suspicions that she may have acted as a carrier. She might be part of a larger smuggling network.
Searches conducted during the investigation led to significant seizures. Authorities found gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore. They also recovered Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her premises.
Protocol Privilege Under 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. He was to receive her whenever she returned from foreign trips. The constable claimed he was unaware of any smuggling activity. This episode raised serious questions about access and influence. It highlighted potential misuse of official privilege.
Amid growing scrutiny, central agencies stepped into the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate got involved. The Karnataka government then directed Rao to go on compulsory leave. He was heading the Karnataka Police Housing Corporation at that time.
Rao publicly distanced himself from his stepdaughter's actions back then. "She got married four months ago and hasn't visited us since. We are unaware of her or her husband's business dealings. This has come as a huge shock and disappointment. The law will take its course," he stated.
Officials described the move as purely administrative. They aimed to avoid embarrassment as the probe widened further.
From Bengaluru central prison, Ranya later wrote a five-page letter. She addressed it to senior DRI officials. Ranya denied her father's involvement in the smuggling case. She alleged custodial assault by officials. Ranya claimed officials threatened to expose her father's name and identity. She said this happened if she did not sign documents. The actor alleged she was forced to sign multiple typed and blank pages.
Central agencies have rejected these allegations completely. They maintain that all proper procedures were followed during the investigation.
What Lies Ahead for the Controversy
Rao remains under suspension pending a detailed inquiry. The authenticity of the videos and audio clips will be central to the probe. This investigation could determine several possible outcomes:
- Reinstatement of the officer if allegations prove false
- Extended disciplinary action if misconduct is established
- Complete dismissal from service in severe cases
For the Karnataka government, this episode has become a crucial test. It tests their credibility and decisiveness in handling sensitive matters. The government faces pressure from multiple sides. Political opponents watch closely. The public expects transparent and fair proceedings. The police department awaits clarity on the situation.
The coming weeks will reveal how this complex situation unfolds. All eyes remain on the investigation process and its findings.
