The Karnataka State Commission for Women has demanded swift and severe measures against K Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police for Civil Rights Enforcement, following the leak of explicit audio and video clips. The footage, which has gone viral across state news channels, allegedly shows the senior IPS officer engaging in obscene acts and indecent behaviour with women while in uniform inside his official chamber.
In urgent letters sent to the Chief Secretary and the state’s top police leadership on Monday night, the Commission expressed deep alarm over the visuals. They argued that such behaviour from a high-ranking officer — someone tasked with protecting the public — not only damages the reputation of the police force but also creates a sense of insecurity among women across the state. The Commission emphasised the possible violation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013 and the need to adopt the “zero-tolerance” approach to uphold the dignity of the office.
The Commission had been very clear about its demands: it wanted an immediate suspension of the player, a transparent inquiry, and a full report about disciplinary measures taken against him within seven days.
Responding to the growing outcry, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed on Tuesday that the government has moved to suspend Rao with immediate effect. The official suspension order cited "conduct unbecoming of a government servant" and noted that the incident had caused significant embarrassment to the state administration. The Chief Minister assured reporters in Bengaluru that a formal investigation is now underway to get to the bottom of the allegations.
For his part, Rao has hit back at the accusations, dismissing the recordings as entirely "fabricated and false." Despite his claims of a setup, the government appears determined to proceed with a complete disciplinary probe.
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