Karnataka Police Chief K Ramachandra Rao Suspended Over Viral Hugging, Kissing Video In Office

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Karnataka DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao has been suspended for alleged misconduct inside the office. The video of the police chief kissing and hugging multiple women while on duty in his office went viral on social media, triggering outrage and leading to immediate action.

The government issued the order on Monday, pointing out that Rao acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a government servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government, while citing prima facie violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. Suspension was enforced under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, pending inquiry.

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Rao has also been stopped from leaving headquarters without prior approval. Though Rao rejected the video as fabricated and false, an outcry grew against the state police chief, given his past mired in controversy. Rao is under the scanner in the gold smuggling case involving his stepdaughter.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah directed the Karnataka home department to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the viral clip, adding that he became aware of the video only on Monday, noting that the video appeared to be a compilation of three clips stitched together. “No matter how senior the officer is, disciplinary action will be taken if there is misconduct,” the chief minister underlined.

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However, Rao has rejected the video and the allegations as fabricated and false. A DGP-rank officer, heading the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, Rao was promoted to DGP in September 2023 and assumed office in October 2023.

Rao also served as the Chair and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.