DGP-Level Officer Ramachandra Rao Faces Suspension After Controversial Video Surfaces

Karnataka: The Karnataka government on Tuesday suspended senior DGP-rank IPS officer Ramachandra Rao. The action was taken after a video surfaced that purportedly showed him having private moments with different women in his office. As soon as the video went viral on social media, the matter gained momentum, and the pressure on the government to take immediate action increased.

Why did the government decide to suspend?

According to sources, after the controversy escalated, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was informed about the entire matter. After taking the report from the concerned department, the government decided to suspend Rao the very next day. The government believed that the allegations against an officer holding such a senior position cannot be taken lightly.

What is visible in the video?

In the viral footage, Ramachandra Rao is seen getting intimate with different women in police uniforms inside his government office. It is being said that the video is of different occasions, in which women are seen in different clothes. It is feared that this recording was done secretly.

What was the reaction of the Chief Minister?

Government sources say that the Chief Minister was very angry after seeing the video. He also asked the officials how such activity could happen in a sensitive institution like the police department. Only after this was the decision to take strict action taken.

How did this matter resonate in politics?

This entire episode created a stir in political circles also. The opposition parties targeted the Congress government and demanded a fair investigation into the matter and strict action. The opposition was constantly keeping an eye on whether the government limited itself to suspension or even initiated a formal investigation.

What did Ramachandra Rao say on the allegations?

Ramachandra Rao has described the video as completely fake. He says that this video has been edited and a conspiracy is being hatched to defame him. He claimed that he was posted in Belagavi eight years ago and had nothing to do with the video. He also said that he has spoken to his lawyer and the legal route will be taken. According to Rao, it would be wrong to reach any conclusion without investigation.

What could happen next?

After the suspension, the possibility of a departmental inquiry is now being raised. There have been indications from the government that further action will be decided on the basis of the investigation report. At present, this matter has become a big debate regarding the functioning of the police department and the accountability of the officers.