State reinstates senior IPS officer despite confirmed viral video, appoints him as DGP (Police Manual), decision sparks controversy
Bengaluru: In a controversial administrative move, the Karnataka government has withdrawn the suspension of senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao and reinstated him with immediate effect, even as the viral video case involving alleged misconduct continues to draw public attention.
The government has simultaneously created a new post of Director General of Police (Police Manual) and appointed Rao to the position, triggering widespread debate across political and administrative circles. The suspension order has been revoked under the provisions of the All India Services Rules.
Video Controversy and Suspension
Rao was earlier suspended after a viral video surfaced, allegedly showing him behaving inappropriately with a female staff member inside a government office. The incident had sparked outrage within the police department and among the public, raising serious concerns over conduct at the highest levels of the force.
A departmental probe reportedly confirmed the authenticity of the video, stating that it was neither edited nor generated using AI or deepfake technology. Following the controversy, the government had placed Rao under suspension on January 19 and initiated formal disciplinary proceedings.
Reinstatement Raises Questions
Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the findings of the inquiry, the decision to revoke the suspension has come as a surprise, drawing criticism from various quarters. Officials have not yet publicly detailed the rationale behind the reinstatement or the creation of the new post.
Last month, Rao had met Home Minister G. Parameshwara and briefly addressed the media, stating that the investigation was ongoing and declining to comment further on the case.
“The investigation is ongoing. I will not comment on it further.”
New Role Amid Ongoing Probe
With his appointment as DGP (Police Manual), Rao returns to service in a role that is administrative in nature. However, the timing of the decision has intensified scrutiny, especially as the inquiry into the alleged misconduct has not been publicly concluded.
Political and Public Reaction
The government’s move has sparked sharp reactions, with critics questioning the message it sends regarding accountability within the police force. Supporters, however, argue that administrative decisions may be based on procedural grounds under service rules.
