The Karnataka government has placed DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K. Ramachandra Rao under suspension after a controversial video purportedly showing him in a compromising position with a woman in office went viral on social media.
An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) on Monday noted that Rao's conduct was unbecoming of a government servant and causing embarrassment to the state administration.
"Vide videos and news reports widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms, it is observed that Dr K Ramachandra Rao has acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a Government Servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government," said the government order.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had on Monday warned of strict action against the officer, although Rao has rejected the video outright, describing it as “fabricated and false.”
“I came to know about it this morning. We will initiate disciplinary action against him. No one is above the law, irrespective of how senior the police officer is,” Siddaramaiah said.
Rao is the stepfather of actor Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, who was arrested last year in a high-profile gold smuggling case and is currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail.
Following the circulation of the video, Rao attempted to meet Home Minister G. Parameshwara, but the meeting did not take place. Speaking to reporters outside the minister’s residence, Rao said he intended to explain that false information was being spread about him.
“I am trying to understand how and when this happened and who is behind it. In this era, anything can happen. I have no idea about it,” he said. “I am shocked. It is all fabricated. The video is completely false. I have no knowledge of it,” Rao added.
Last year, the government sent Rao on compulsory leave in March following his daughter's arrest for alleged involvement in the gold smuggling case. The 34-year-old actress was accused of smuggling gold from Dubai by using special privileges accorded to family members of senior IPS officers.
Rao was, however, reinstated as DGP, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, in August.