Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has placed senior IPS officer Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao (IPS, 1993 batch) under suspension with immediate effect. Dr. Ramachandra Rao was serving as Director General of Police (DGP), Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) at the time of the order.
According to the official government notification, the decision follows the circulation of certain videos and related media reports, based on which the state government arrived at a prima facie view that the conduct of the officer was not in conformity with the standards expected of a member of the All India Services, and that such conduct had the potential to embarrass the government and tarnish its image.
Violation of Conduct Rules
The order states that the officer’s conduct prima facie amounts to a violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which mandates integrity, devotion to duty, and conduct befitting a public servant.
Suspension Under Service Rules
Invoking Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the government held that it would not be appropriate for the officer to continue in office while a detailed inquiry is contemplated. Accordingly, the officer has been placed under suspension pending disciplinary proceedings.
Conditions During Suspension
- The officer will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Rule 4 of the AIS (D&A) Rules.
- He shall not leave headquarters without prior permission of the competent authority.
- The suspension will remain in force until further orders.
What Lies Ahead
The government has clarified that the suspension is not punitive in itself and that further action will depend on the outcome of the departmental inquiry. Until then, Dr. Ramachandra Rao will remain under suspension.
