Karnataka Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao has been suspended following the circulation of multiple videos on social media purportedly showing him in compromising positions with women. The videos, which remain unverified, reportedly depict Rao in what appears to be his office, and some audio clips allegedly feature him speaking to women in an inappropriate manner.

Suspension order cites unbecoming conduct

The official suspension order stated that Rao’s actions were “obscene” and “unbecoming of a government servant,” causing embarrassment to the state government. It added that the government is “prima facie satisfied that it is necessary to place Dr K. Ramachandra Rao under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry.”

During his suspension, Rao is not permitted to leave the headquarters without written permission from the state government.

Rao rejects allegations

Rao, a 1993 batch IPS officer, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated and false.” Speaking to reporters, he said, “I am shocked. It is all fabricated and a lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it.”

He added that he was unsure how or when the videos surfaced, stating, “In this era, anything can happen. I have no idea about it.” Rao also referred to old videos, saying they could date back eight years when he was posted in Belagavi.

Political reactions

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said disciplinary action will follow if Rao is found guilty. “We will initiate disciplinary action against him. No one is above the law, notwithstanding how senior the police officer is,” the CM said.

Senior BJP leader S Suresh Kumar described the incident as a “disgraceful act” and “an inexcusable crime,” asserting that it has tarnished the image of the police department.

Rao’s troubled past

Rao has previously faced allegations related to assisting his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested for gold smuggling last year. He was accused of helping her bypass customs and police checks using official protocols. After being placed on compulsory leave in March, Rao was reinstated following an investigation and later appointed as the DGP for the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement in August.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, has firmly denied allegations that she made objectionable or disrespectful remarks about Sikh Gurus, stating that she has never done so inside the House or at any point in her life.

In a detailed reply submitted on Monday to the Privileges Committee of the Delhi Assembly, Atishi rejected the charge of breach of privilege and contempt, describing the notice issued to her as vague and baseless. She said she was being asked to respond to allegations that were neither clearly defined nor supported by specific details.

Addressing the Delhi Assembly Secretary, Atishi clarified that she never used the word “Guru” during the Assembly proceedings cited in the notice. Referring to the January 15, 2026 communication, which mentions an alleged statement made on January 6, she asserted that there was no reference, mention, or allusion to Sikh Gurus during her speech or conduct on that day.

“I state with complete sincerity that I have never made any derogatory comment against Sikh Gurus in the Assembly or anywhere in my life,” she said, categorically rejecting the accusations.

Context of the January 6 proceedings

Explaining the events of January 6, Atishi said the House witnessed a heated political exchange during the discussion on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, when Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh was moving the motion of thanks. Opposition MLAs, she said, were raising slogans and demanding a discussion on pollution before the LG’s address. She maintained that the debate, though noisy, had no reference whatsoever to Sikh Gurus.

Atishi also highlighted her personal reverence for Sikh traditions, saying that respect for Sikh Gurus is deeply ingrained in her family’s values. She referred to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a symbol of sacrifice and human dignity, adding that she could never morally or ethically make disrespectful remarks about Sikh Gurus.

Seeks documents to respond fully

The AAP leader further stated that she never received any communication from the Speaker asking her to appear and clarify her position, contrary to what was mentioned in the notice. She pointed out that the allegations rely on broad phrases such as “disruption of proceedings” and “disturbance in the House” without specifying her exact words or actions.

Calling this a violation of the principles of natural justice, Atishi said the lack of particulars placed her in an impossible position. To submit a comprehensive and factual response, she has requested a copy of the complaint against her, the complete unedited and certified video recording of the January 6 Assembly proceedings, and any written communication from the Speaker seeking her explanation.

She said she would provide further clarification to the Privileges Committee after receiving these documents.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Nabin was confirmed on Tuesday as the party’s new national president, replacing Jagat Prakash Nadda after an extensive internal selection process that began at the grassroots and culminated at the national level. He is set to be formally declared in the presence of the party’s top leadership at the BJP headquarters in Delhi.

The appointment of the 45-year-old leader is being seen as a clear signal of the BJP’s renewed focus on organisational strength and generational transition ahead of several crucial state elections, including those in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Uttar Pradesh, and in the run-up to the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

Party sources have described the move as a contrast to the opposition’s leadership profile, underlining the BJP’s emphasis on younger leadership backed by organisational experience.

A leader known for coordination and discipline

Those who have worked closely with Nabin describe him as hardworking, politically curious and firmly committed to a party-first approach. He is widely seen as grounded, accessible and a leader who believes in samanvay, or coordination, within the organisation.

Sources also point out that Nabin is regarded as someone who understands the leadership’s working style and ensures collective decision-making, particularly by carrying senior leaders along. This approach is viewed as critical to maintaining stability within the party’s top ranks.

His social background is also seen as politically neutral, with party insiders noting that this has helped him work across groups without friction.

Two decades of organisational experience

Despite his relatively young age, Nitin Nabin brings nearly two decades of experience within the BJP organisation. He rose through the ranks from the party’s youth wing in Bihar and has handled several key organisational and election-related responsibilities over the years.

He is a five-time MLA, having first won from the now-defunct Patna West seat in 2006 before securing four consecutive victories from Bankipur. Nabin has also served briefly as a minister in Bihar, handling departments such as Law, Roadways and Urban Development.

Within the party organisation, he has served as national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and as president of the BJP’s Bihar unit.

The Chhattisgarh factor

A major turning point in Nabin’s rise came during the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, when he was tasked with leading the BJP’s campaign in the state. At the time, the Congress was widely perceived to be in a strong position, with several exit and opinion polls predicting a victory for the incumbent government.

Under Nabin’s leadership, the BJP secured a clear majority, a result that political observers attributed to extensive groundwork, organisational restructuring and micro-level coordination. The campaign is seen as a demonstration of his ability to deliver results in challenging political परिस्थितियाँ.

Party insiders believe this success played a decisive role in positioning Nabin for the party’s top organisational post.

Focus on future challenges

Beyond Chhattisgarh, Nabin also played a key role in the BJP’s recent political success in Delhi, where the party returned to power after nearly three decades.

All these factors culminated in Tuesday’s announcement at the BJP’s Delhi headquarters, where Nitin Nabin was named the party’s new national president in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders.

With major state elections ahead and the long-term goal of securing another Lok Sabha victory, Nabin now takes charge of steering the BJP’s organisational machinery through a crucial phase.