Is There No Official Above the Law? K'taka CM Siddaramaiah Responds to Top Cop's Viral Video
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- No officer is above the law, as emphasized by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
- Disciplinary measures will be considered against DGP K. Ramachandra Rao.
- Viral videos have raised serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officials.
- The incident underscores the importance of accountability in public office.
- Public trust in law enforcement is crucial for effective governance.
Bengaluru, Jan 19 (NationPress) In response to accusations regarding inappropriate conduct involving Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Monday that no official is above the law and that disciplinary measures will be taken if necessary.
He expressed this while addressing media inquiries in Belagavi.
"An investigation will be initiated into this issue, and if warranted, disciplinary actions will be enforced against the DGP. No senior official is exempt from the law," the Chief Minister asserted.
Reports indicate that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is disturbed and has shown considerable displeasure regarding the incident.
It is noteworthy that an embarrassing situation has arisen within the Karnataka Police Department, as videos allegedly depicting objectionable behavior by jailed actress Ranya Rao's stepfather and DGP K. Ramachandra Rao with a woman in his office while in uniform surfaced online.
The videos have spread extensively on social media, sparking serious concerns.
In the clips, Ramachandra Rao appears in his official office, engaging in inappropriate behavior with a woman. One video shows him kissing the woman while seated in uniform, and another depicts him in a suit, again involved in similar conduct against the backdrop of the Indian flag and the Police Department emblem. The woman involved was also seen cooperating.
Sources indicate that these videos were filmed over a year ago, prior to Ranya Rao's involvement in the gold smuggling case.
Ramachandra Rao currently serves as Director General of Police in the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE).
In reaction to the videos, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao claimed that the surfaced clips are “manipulated”. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he stated, “These are manipulated videos. No such incident has taken place. I will discuss the matter with my lawyer and make a decision accordingly.”
Previously, the Karnataka government had placed Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave in March 2025 due to the gold smuggling case, but he had recently been reinstated.
He is accused of colluding with Ranya Rao in gold smuggling activities. The government has initiated an investigation against Rao regarding this matter and has requested a report.
Ranya Rao was detained on charges of gold smuggling and allegedly exploiting her stepfather Rao’s name to evade security checks by utilizing the protocol designated for officials.