Will Ranya Rao’s Stepfather Ramachandra Rao Be Dismissed? Who Could Be Karnataka’s Next DGP?

Senior Karnataka police officer K. Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police (DGP) of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), has been placed under suspension following the viral circulation of a controversial video purportedly showing him in a compromising position with women inside his office while in uniform. The video, reportedly a compilation of three separate clips stitched together, began circulating widely on social media on Monday, January 19, 2026, prompting swift action from the state government.

The suspension, issued on January 19, 2026, comes amid widespread public scrutiny and criticism. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara described Rao's alleged conduct as "unbecoming of a government servant" and said it caused "significant embarrassment" to the administration.

In response, Rao denied the allegations, claiming the videos are "fabricated and false" and may have been morphed using AI. He suggested that the footage could date back eight years, during his posting in Belagavi. Rao also stated that he will follow legal advice regarding any further steps.

"I am also thinking how and when it happened and who has done it. In this era, anything can happen. I have no idea about it," Rao said. When asked whether the video was old, he responded, "Old means, eight years ago when I was in Belagavi." On his next steps, Rao stated that he would consult with his advocate. "I am shocked. It is all fabricated, lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it," he added. He also emphasized that he would explain to the Home Minister that false information was being circulated in the public domain.

This is not the first controversy surrounding Ramachandra Rao. In 2025, he came under scrutiny while serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd., after his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, was arrested in connection with a gold smuggling case. During the investigation, Rao's name appeared in reports suggesting he might have helped Ranya Rao misuse protocol privileges at Kempegowda International Airport to carry out smuggling activities. However, a panel led by senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta later found no evidence that Rao facilitated any protocol assistance. Rao's compulsory leave was revoked, and he was transferred to the post of DGP of the DCRE in August 2025.

Merely hours after the obscene video went viral, the Karnataka government suspended Rao with immediate effect, citing conduct unbecoming of a government servant and embarrassment to the state administration.

The suspension order, issued late on Monday, stated that Rao's actions violated Rule-3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 and caused significant embarrassment to the government.

Background of K. Ramachandra Rao

Rao, a 1993-batch IPS officer, has previously faced controversy. In 2025, he was briefly placed on compulsory leave following the arrest of his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, in a gold smuggling case. Rao was later reinstated and appointed to the DCRE in August 2025. He was scheduled to retire in May 2026.

With Rao currently suspended pending a formal inquiry, the government may soon appoint an interim or acting head for the DCRE.

Who Could Succeed Him If Dismissed?

With Rao suspended, the government is expected to appoint an interim or acting head of the DCRE, while considering a permanent successor. The controversy has intensified speculation over the leadership of Karnataka's police force.

If K. Ramachandra Rao is dismissed or remains under suspension until his scheduled retirement in May 2026, the government will choose a permanent successor from the pool of recently promoted and high-ranking officers.The primary contenders for the "DGP, DCRE" post (which is equivalent in rank to a DGP of CID or Prisons) include: Arun Chakravarthy J. (1995 batch), heading the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, who has previous experience in the DCRE as ADGP; Seemant Kumar Singh (1996 batch), ADGP of BMTF, a senior officer likely to be considered for DGP-level promotion; and Alok Kumar (1994 batch), ADGP, Training, a high-profile officer with a strong enforcement track record.

Government Response and Next Steps

Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the suspension was necessary given the seriousness of the matter. "He can be dismissed as well," the minister added, indicating that stricter action could follow the inquiry. He noted that the incident caused embarrassment not only to the police department but also to the state administration.

The inquiry into Rao's conduct is ongoing. Meanwhile, Karnataka's police leadership faces a critical transition, with the state closely watching who will assume the top post amid the controversy.