Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr.Nagalakshmi Bai has written to the State Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) and the Chief Secretary,seeking immediate action in connection with an alleged case of harassment and violation of a woman’s rights involving a senior police officer.
In her letter dated January 19, 2026,Dr.Nagalakshmi Bai referred to a complaint received by the Commission and said that the alleged incident,in which Ramachandra Rao, DGP,senior police officer in uniform is accused of indulging in such an act,is a matter of serious concern.
She noted that police officers are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the rights of women and the public,and any such misconduct erodes public trust.
The Chairperson observed that the incident portrays women in a poor light and sends a wrong message to society,undermining efforts to ensure safety and dignity for women.
Calling it a fit case under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,Prohibition and Redressal)Act, 2013 (POSH Act),the Commission has sought a transparent and impartial inquiry.
The letter directed the police department to submit a detailed action-taken report within seven days,stressing that strict punishment to the accused officer is necessary to demonstrate zero tolerance towards such incidents and to uphold the dignity of women.
It may be recalled that hours after the sleazy videos and audio surfaced,the state government suspended Ramachandra Rao and initiated a probe.
Home Minister G Parmeshwara condemning the act said that he might be dismissed from the service based on the outcome of the report .
