Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao is a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Karnataka cadre who has served in various key positions during his nearly three-decade-long career.
Born on May 7, 1966, in Andhra Pradesh, the 59-year-old officer belongs to the 1993 batch of IPS and was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in September 2023.
Throughout his career, Rao has served in multiple capacities including as Commissioner of Police for Hubli-Dharwad and later as Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation.
His professional journey has been marked by both achievements in law enforcement and controversies that have brought significant public and media scrutiny.
Who is Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao?
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao is a highly educated IPS officer who joined the Indian Police Service through the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1993.
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With a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree and a Ph.D., he represents the academically accomplished segment of India’s civil services.
Throughout his career spanning over 30 years, Rao has worked across various districts and departments in Karnataka, gaining experience in law enforcement, administration, and infrastructure development.
He was promoted to DGP rank in September 2023 and most recently served as Director General of Police for the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement.
Dr. Ramachandra Rao is scheduled to retire in May 2026 after completing his tenure in the Indian Police Service.
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao Quick Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer |
| IPS Batch | 1993 |
| Cadre | Karnataka |
| Current Rank | Director General of Police (DGP) |
| Educational Qualification | M.Sc., Ph.D. |
| Recent Position | DGP, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement |
| Previous Positions | Commissioner (Hubli-Dharwad), Chairman & MD (KSPHC) |
| Retirement Date | May 2026 (Expected) |
| Current Status | Suspended (January 20, 2026) |
Early Life and Education
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao was born on May 7, 1966, in Andhra Pradesh, specifically hailing from Guntur district. He completed his early education in Andhra Pradesh before pursuing higher studies in science.
Educational Background
Ramachandra Rao demonstrated strong academic capabilities from an early age. His educational qualifications include:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.): Completed post-graduation in science
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Pursued doctoral studies demonstrating commitment to academic excellence
- UPSC Civil Services Examination: Cleared the prestigious examination in 1993
His academic background in science, combined with administrative training, equipped him for a career that required both analytical thinking and leadership skills.
Career Journey in Indian Police Service
Early Postings and Foundation Years
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao began his IPS career in 1994 after completing his training at the National Police Academy.
His first posting was as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Davanagere, where he gained his initial field experience in law enforcement.
During the foundational years of his career, Rao worked in various capacities across Karnataka:
Superintendent of Police (SP) Postings:
- Koppal District
- Chikmagalur District
- Gulbarga District
- Kodagu District
These assignments across different districts gave him diverse experience in handling law and order situations, criminal investigations, and community policing in both urban and rural settings.
Mid-Career Advancement
As Rao progressed through the ranks, he took on more specialized and training-oriented roles:
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Roles:
- DIG, Police Training College, Gulbarga: Responsible for training new recruits and officers
- DIG, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), Bangalore: Oversaw the state’s reserve police force operations
These positions involved strategic planning, resource management, and developing police capabilities across the state.
Senior Leadership Positions
Inspector General of Police (IGP) – Southern Range:
Ramachandra Rao served as IGP of the Southern Range, a crucial position overseeing multiple districts in southern Karnataka. This role involved coordination between various police units, managing law and order, and supervising investigations across the region.
Commissioner of Police, Hubli-Dharwad:
One of his significant postings was as the Commissioner of Police for the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad. As commissioner, he was responsible for:
- Urban policing and crime prevention
- Traffic management in growing cities
- Public safety and community relations
- Coordination with civic bodies
Top-Rank Assignments
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) & Managing Director:
Before his promotion to DGP, Rao served as ADGP and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KSPHC). This role combined police administration with infrastructure development, focusing on:
- Police housing projects across Karnataka
- Infrastructure development for police facilities
- Budget management and resource allocation
- Coordination with government departments
Director General of Police (DGP):
In September 2023, Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police, one of the highest positions in the state police hierarchy.
He was appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
Later, he was posted as DGP, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, a position focused on protecting civil liberties and investigating violations of rights.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao’s career has been marked by several controversies that brought significant media attention and public scrutiny.
2014 Money Seizure Case (Yelwal Incident)
The first major controversy involving Ramachandra Rao occurred in early 2014 when he was serving as Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Southern Range.
The Incident:
In early 2014, police stopped a Calicut-bound private bus near Mysuru’s Yelwal area. Officers seized money being transported by four Kerala-based merchants.
The Controversy:
- Police claimed to have seized ₹20 lakh
- The merchants alleged the actual amount seized was ₹2.27 crore
- They accused police officers of colluding with another businessman to misappropriate the difference
- One of the officers present during the raid was Ramachandra Rao’s gunman, Prakash
Investigation and Outcome:
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigated the matter and found significant lapses. According to CID reports, there was a “great degree of lapse on the part of Rao and a deputy superintendent of police.”
The investigation revealed:
- Allegations of collusion with business interests
- Potential misappropriation of seized funds
- Involvement of officers under Rao’s command
Following the controversy, Rao was transferred from his position in May 2014. His gunman was arrested for dacoity in connection with the case. While Rao denied all allegations, the incident remained a black mark on his record.
2014 Fake Encounter Allegations
Later in 2014, Ramachandra Rao faced another investigation. The CID questioned him regarding the deaths of gangsters Dharmaraj and Gangadhar Chadachana in connection with an alleged fake encounter.
Rao maintained that he had no knowledge of the case when questioned by the CID. The details and outcome of this investigation have not been widely publicized.
March 2025: Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
The most significant controversy to impact Rao’s career emerged in March 2025 involving his stepdaughter, Kannada actress Ranya Rao (also known as Harshavardhini Ranya).
The Arrest:
On March 3, 2025, Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. She was intercepted while deplaning from an Emirates flight from Dubai.
Seizure Details:
- 14.8 kilograms of gold bars worth approximately ₹12.56 crore
- Gold concealed in her clothing and worn on her person
- Additional gold and cash recovered from her Lavelle Road apartment
Pattern of Activity:
Investigation revealed that Ranya had made 45 solo trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025, with 10+ trips in a short period, raising serious suspicions. She made frequent trips despite having no known business or family connections in Dubai.
VIP Protocol Misuse:
The investigation uncovered that Ranya allegedly:
- Claimed to be the DGP’s daughter at the airport
- Received police escorts and VIP treatment
- Was allowed to bypass customs checks multiple times
- Used the Green Channel (for passengers with nothing to declare)
Police Officer’s Testimony:
A police officer stationed at the airport, Basavaraj, told investigators that:
- He was instructed to facilitate movement of family members of top police officials
- He received direct orders from DGP Ramachandra Rao to ensure hassle-free passage for his relatives
- He escorted Ranya through the Green Channel on the day of her arrest
- He had extended similar privileges to her 3-4 times previously
Ramachandra Rao’s Response:
When the news broke, DGP Rao publicly distanced himself from his stepdaughter, stating:
“She got married four months ago and hasn’t visited us since. The law will take its own course. I have no connection with her activities.”
He claimed shock and devastation, saying he learned about the arrest through media reports and had no prior knowledge of her alleged smuggling activities.
Government Action:
- March 2025: Rao was placed on compulsory leave following his stepdaughter’s arrest
- March 11, 2025: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered an investigation into Rao’s possible involvement
- Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta was tasked with examining whether the DGP played any role in the illegal activities
- The investigation was directed to be completed within one week
- CID was asked to examine potential lapses by police officers who facilitated Ranya’s movements
August 2025 Reinstatement:
After months on compulsory leave, the Karnataka government reinstated Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao on August 12, 2025.
The government order stated: “The order of compulsory leave with respect to Dr K Ramachandra Rao, IPS is hereby withdrawn and the officer is posted with immediate effect and until further orders as Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement in the upgraded vacant post.”
The post was declared equivalent in status to DGP, CID, Special Units & Economic Offences.
Enforcement Directorate Action:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached immovable properties worth ₹34.12 crore in connection with the gold smuggling and money laundering case. During searches at Ranya’s residence, authorities recovered:
- ₹2.67 crore in unaccounted Indian currency
- Gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore
Ranya Rao was remanded to 14-day judicial custody and is currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail.
January 2026: Viral Video Controversy and Suspension
The most recent and perhaps most damaging controversy erupted on January 19, 2026, when videos allegedly showing Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao in compromising positions with women went viral on social media.
The Viral Videos:
Multiple video clips surfaced showing a person purported to be DGP Ramachandra Rao:
- In inappropriate situations with women inside his office
- During office hours while in uniform
- In acts described as “obscene” and “unbecoming of a government servant”
The videos were widely circulated on news channels and social media platforms, causing significant public outrage and embarrassment to the Karnataka government.
Ramachandra Rao’s Defense:
The senior IPS officer strongly denied the allegations, claiming:
- The videos are “fabricated and false”
- They are AI-generated or morphed
- The videos are eight years old from when he was posted in Belagavi
- It is a conspiracy to tarnish his image
- He has “no idea” how or when such footage could have been created
Speaking to reporters outside Home Minister G Parameshwara’s residence (where he attempted to meet the minister), Rao said:
“I am shocked. It is all fabricated, a lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it. I am also thinking about how and when it happened and who did it. In this era, anything can happen.”
Government Response:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded swiftly on January 19, stating: “We will investigate this matter and take disciplinary action. No matter how senior the officer is, disciplinary action will be taken if there is misconduct. No one is above the law.”
The CM mentioned that the video came to his attention on January 19 and consisted of three clips stitched together. He ordered a full inquiry before further action.
Suspension Order – January 20, 2026:
On January 20, 2026, the Karnataka government issued a formal suspension order through the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR).
The official order stated:
“WHEREAS, vide videos and news reports widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms, it is observed that Dr K Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, has acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a Government Servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government.”
The government found that Rao’s conduct violated Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
Terms of Suspension:
- Effective Date: Immediate (January 20, 2026)
- Status: Under suspension pending inquiry
- Financial Status: Will receive subsistence allowance as per Rule 4 of All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969
- Movement Restrictions: Cannot leave headquarters without written permission from the state government
- Duration: Pending completion of inquiry
Political and Public Reactions:
MLA Tanveer Ahmed strongly criticized Rao, stating: “Rao has committed an act that has brought a blot on the entire police department. The act committed by this senior officer, in uniform and within his own office, has made people view the police department itself with suspicion and doubt.”
He also alleged that the government had previously washed its hands of responsibility in the gold smuggling case by merely sending Rao on compulsory leave.
Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli demanded immediate suspension of the officer.
Media Coverage:
The controversy received extensive coverage across:
- National and regional news channels
- Social media platforms
- Print media
- Online news portals
The incident became a major talking point regarding police accountability and conduct of senior officers.
Leave and Retirement Considerations:
According to media reports, Rao had taken 10 days of leave and was reportedly considering voluntary retirement, which is due in May 2026 anyway.
Family and Personal Life
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao maintains significant privacy regarding his personal and family life. Limited information is publicly available about his family.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Wife | Information not publicly disclosed; remarried after divorce |
| Stepdaughter | Ranya Rao (Harshavardhini Ranya), Kannada actress |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital History | Divorced from first wife; married to Ranya Rao’s mother |
| Family Status | Has distanced from stepdaughter since her marriage (4 months before arrest) |
Relationship with Stepdaughter Ranya Rao
Ranya Rao is the daughter of Ramachandra Rao’s second wife from her previous marriage. The family dynamics changed after Ranya married architect Jatin Hukkeri, who specializes in designing microbreweries and pubs.
According to Ramachandra Rao’s statements to media:
- Ranya got married approximately four months before her arrest in March 2025
- She had not visited her mother and stepfather since her marriage
- There appeared to be family issues and problems between Ranya and her husband
- Rao claimed complete unawareness of her business activities or frequent Dubai trips
The family publicly distanced themselves from Ranya after her arrest, with Rao stating she had “let them down” and that the law should take its course.
Career Achievements and Contributions
Despite the controversies, Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao has contributed to Karnataka’s police infrastructure and administration:
Police Infrastructure Development
As Chairman and MD of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation:
- Oversaw police housing projects across the state
- Developed infrastructure for police facilities and stations
- Managed budgets for construction and development
- Improved living conditions for police personnel
Administrative Experience
- Served across multiple districts gaining comprehensive field experience
- Handled law and order in diverse geographical and social contexts
- Contributed to police training as DIG at Police Training College
- Managed urban policing challenges in Hubli-Dharwad
Academic Credentials
His M.Sc. and Ph.D. qualifications represent the academic excellence expected of modern civil servants, bringing analytical and research-oriented approaches to policing.
Current Status (As of January 2026)
Official Status: Suspended with immediate effect (January 20, 2026)
Pending Matters:
- Disciplinary inquiry ordered by Karnataka government
- Video authenticity investigation (may be sent to FSL)
- Subsistence allowance being paid during suspension
- Restricted from leaving headquarters without permission
Expected Timeline:
- Retirement due: May 2026
- Possible voluntary retirement consideration
- Inquiry completion timeframe: Not specified
Why is Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao Trending?
Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao became a trending topic in January 2026 due to:
- Viral Video Controversy: Alleged inappropriate conduct videos circulated widely
- Immediate Suspension: Swift government action against a senior DGP-rank officer
- Previous Gold Smuggling Case: Connection to stepdaughter’s ₹12.56 crore gold smuggling case
- “No One Above Law” Statement: CM’s strong stance attracted attention
- Police Department Image: Concerns about conduct of senior officers
- Retirement Speculation: Officer close to retirement facing career-ending controversy
- Public Debate: Questions about accountability in civil services
Professional Details and Service Record
Key Positions Held
| Period | Position | Location/Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | ASP (First Posting) | Davanagere |
| Various Years | SP | Koppal, Chikmagalur, Gulbarga, Kodagu |
| Mid-Career | DIG | Police Training College (Gulbarga), KSRP (Bangalore) |
| Senior Years | IGP | Southern Range |
| Senior Years | Commissioner of Police | Hubli-Dharwad |
| Pre-DGP | ADGP & MD | Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation |
| September 2023 – March 2025 | DGP & Chairman, MD | KSPHC Ltd. |
| August 2025 – January 2026 | DGP | Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement |
| January 20, 2026 – Present | Suspended | Pending inquiry |
Awards and Recognition
Detailed information about specific awards and commendations received during his service is not publicly available.
Interesting Facts About Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao
- He holds both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees, unusual among IPS officers of his batch
- Originally from Andhra Pradesh but served entire career in Karnataka cadre
- Served in both rural and urban policing contexts across Karnataka
- Rose from ASP to DGP rank over 29+ years of service
- Managed both operational policing and infrastructure development roles
- Faced three major controversies during his career (2014 money case, 2025 gold smuggling, 2026 video)
- Was reinstated after compulsory leave in gold smuggling case
- Second suspension came just months after reinstatement
- Due to retire in May 2026, just months after latest controversy
- Claimed viral videos are AI-generated, reflecting modern technology concerns
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao? Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao is a senior IPS officer from the 1993 batch, Karnataka cadre, who served as Director General of Police in various capacities before being suspended in January 2026.
Q2. What is Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao’s age? He is 59 years old, born on May 7, 1966.
Q3. What is Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao’s educational qualification? He holds an M.Sc. (Master of Science) and a Ph.D. degree, in addition to clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1993.
Q4. Which IPS batch does Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao belong to? He belongs to the 1993 batch of IPS, Karnataka cadre.
Q5. Why was Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao suspended in January 2026? He was suspended on January 20, 2026, following viral videos allegedly showing him in inappropriate conduct with women in his office, deemed “unbecoming of a government servant.”
Q6. Who is Ranya Rao in relation to Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao? Ranya Rao (Harshavardhini Ranya) is a Kannada actress and his stepdaughter who was arrested in March 2025 for smuggling ₹12.56 crore worth of gold from Dubai.
Q7. What was the 2014 controversy involving Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao? In 2014, while serving as IGP Southern Range, his name figured in a money seizure case where ₹2.27 crore was allegedly misappropriated, leading to his transfer.
Q8. When was Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao promoted to DGP rank? He was promoted to Director General of Police rank in September 2023.
Q9. What is Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao’s current status? As of January 20, 2026, he is under suspension pending inquiry, receiving subsistence allowance and barred from leaving headquarters without permission.
Q10. When is Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao expected to retire? His retirement is scheduled for May 2026, though he is reportedly considering voluntary retirement.
Q11. What positions has Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao held during his career? He served as SP in multiple districts, DIG at training institutions, IGP Southern Range, Commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad, and DGP for police housing and civil rights enforcement.
Q12. What was Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao’s role in the gold smuggling case? While Rao denied any involvement, investigations examined whether he facilitated VIP treatment for his stepdaughter at the airport that helped her bypass security checks.
Q13. How did Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao respond to the viral video allegations? He strongly denied the allegations, claiming the videos are “fabricated and false,” AI-generated, and 8 years old from his Belagavi posting.
Q14. Has Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao been reinstated before? Yes, after being placed on compulsory leave in March 2025 following his stepdaughter’s arrest, he was reinstated in August 2025.
Q15. What action did the Karnataka government take regarding the viral videos? The government suspended Rao immediately, ordered an inquiry, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated “no one is above the law,” emphasizing accountability.
Last Updated: January 20, 2026
Note: This biography is based on publicly available information from verified news sources. The controversies mentioned are subject to ongoing investigations, and the officer has denied allegations. Readers should note that suspension does not imply guilt, and investigations are pending.
