Karnataka DGP-CRE Ramachandra Rao suspended after obscene video goes viral

Hours after a sleazy video surfaced, the State Government suspended Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement) K. Ramachandra Rao following allegations of obscene conduct.

An order issued late on Monday, January 19, 2026, stated that Mr. Rao had engaged in obscene conduct that was unbecoming of a public servant and also embarrassed the Government.

The order states that there has been a prima facie violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. The suspension was imposed pending investigation under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.

Mr Rao has been barred from leaving the center without prior approval and will receive a living allowance as per the rules.

Mr Rao, who is under the scanner in the gold smuggling case involving his step-daughter, has been mired in controversy again after a video of him behaving inappropriately with a woman in his office emerged. Two audio recordings were also released in which Mr Rao is heard chatting with a woman.