Published May 07, 2026 | 5:07 PM ⚊ Updated May 07, 2026 | 5:07 PM
R Ramachandra Rao.
The order further stated that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Rao on 18 March 2026, almost two months after the purported videos surfaced.
However, the order is silent on the status or findings of the inquiry – whether the probe concluded or whether any wrongdoing was established.
Also Read: Following viral inappropriate video, Karnataka government suspends DGP R Ramachandra Rao
The acts allegedly took place during duty hours inside Rao’s government office. Soon after the video went viral, the officer attempted to meet Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara at the latter’s residence. However, according to sources, Parameshwara is said to have refused to meet him.
“DGP has acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a government servant and also caused embarrassment to the government,” the government said in the official order of suspension early this year.
Rao has maintained that the 47-second undated video was fabricated. He had stated that the office seen in the video is located in Belagavi and that he had served there eight years ago.
The IPS officer also filed a civil suit against two media organisations, TV9 Kannada and News9, seeking restraining orders days after the incident first came to light.
A Bengaluru sessions court granted the request and directed more than 30 media outlets to remove allegedly defamatory content about Rao.
Since then, however, there has been little public clarity on the status of the inquiry, whether any support was extended to the woman seen in the videos, or whether safeguards have been proposed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Rao is also due to retire on 31 May, raising questions over the timing and purpose of his reinstatement, particularly in the absence of any publicly disclosed findings from the disciplinary proceedings.
Also Read: ED initiates PMLA case against Kannada actor Ranya Rao in gold smuggling case
While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Parameshwara stated that the decision was taken by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), after obtaining approval from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
However, he refused to comment on whether revoking the suspension while the investigation is still underway was appropriate.
Rao had reportedly issued a representation to the government stating that he was nearing retirement and that his pension and settlement process was pending.
Parameshwara further clarified that the inquiry against Rao would continue and that any further action would depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Under the Old Pension Scheme, Rao is entitled to pension worth roughly 50 percent of the last drawn basic pay, along with dearness relief revisions over time.
The IPS officer has been no stranger to controversies. He was earlier serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd when he was sent on compulsory leave in March 2025, days after his stepdaughter, Kannada actor Ranya Rao, was caught allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore into the country.
At the time, allegations surfaced that one of Ranya’s modus operandi was that she would identify herself as the DGP’s daughter on arrival at the airport and request local police escorts to her home.
The DAPR, in August 2025, withdrew the officer’s leave and posted him to his current role.
