Karnataka DGP Suspended Amid Alleged Sleaze Video Controversy; CM Says ‘No One Is Above The Law’

BENGALURU: Senior IPS officer and Karnataka DGP of Civil Rights Enforcement, K. Ramachandra Rao, was suspended late Monday night following the viral circulation of alleged sleaze videos showing him in intimate situations with women inside his office. The state government ordered an immediate probe into the matter. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that disciplinary action will follow the inquiry, stating, “No one is above the law, no matter how senior the officer is.” He added that he became aware of the controversy earlier in the day and promptly directed an investigation.

The suspension came amid widespread outrage after videos purportedly featuring Rao went viral on social media, generating political uproar and numerous complaints to both state and central authorities. The authenticity and origin of these videos remain unverified, and the government has stated that they will form part of the official inquiry.

Rao Denies Allegations, Claims Videos Are ‘Fabricated’

Rao has categorically denied the allegations, calling the videos “fabricated and false, intended to defame me and sabotage my career.” Speaking to the media, he stated that he had attempted to meet Home Minister G. Parameshwara, but the meeting did not materialize. Rao suggested that the footage might relate to his posting in Belagavi approximately eight years ago.

“I will consult my lawyer and pursue legal remedies,” Rao said. Meanwhile, the home department has been asked to submit a detailed report. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated he was not fully briefed on the situation and directed media queries to the Chief Minister and Home Minister.

Complaints Filed with PMO and DoPT; Audio Clips Add Fuel to Controversy

As the controversy intensified, social activist Rajshekar Mulali, head of the Ballari-based Anna Foundation, wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), urging legal action against Rao for alleged abuse of authority, misuse of official position and police uniform, and showing disrespect to national and state symbols.

Another activist, Dinesh Kallahalli, lodged a complaint with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary, demanding Rao’s suspension and disciplinary proceedings under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969. Late Monday evening, two audio clips also surfaced on social media, allegedly capturing a conversation between a police officer and a woman. Their authenticity could not be independently verified. The combination of audio and video content further intensified public and political anger.

Political Pressure Mounts

Senior BJP MLA and former Law Minister S. Suresh Kumar condemned the alleged acts as “an unforgivable crime” that tarnishes the credibility of the police force. He noted the presence of the national tricolour in the background of the video as evidence of disrespect toward national symbols. Opposition leaders accused the government of protecting Rao and demanded an independent probe. Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar stated that if wrongdoing is established, the government will take “strict action, regardless of seniority.”

Past Controversies Come Back into Focus

Rao, who is also the stepfather of Kannada actor Harshavardhini Ranya (Ranya Rao), has previously faced scrutiny in his career. Opposition leaders cited these prior incidents to push for swift and stringent action. The state government reiterated that the authenticity of the videos and audio clips will be thoroughly verified and that further measures will be determined based on the findings of the investigation.