Overview
- The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms placed the DCRE chief under immediate suspension, calling the alleged conduct obscene and unbecoming of a government servant under Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
- During suspension, Rao will receive subsistence allowance and cannot leave headquarters without written permission, as specified under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules.
- The footage circulating online is described by officials as a compilation of three clips purportedly filmed in his office; authenticity remains unverified, and two purported audio clips also surfaced later.
- Rao denies wrongdoing, calling the material fabricated and AI‑manipulated, suggesting it may trace to older footage from a prior posting, and his attempt to meet the home minister did not materialize.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said no one is above the law and sought a report, while opposition figures and activists pressed for action, including complaints sent to the PMO and the DoPT; prior scrutiny over his stepdaughter’s gold‑smuggling case adds context.