| Bhaskar Rao is an Indian politician and former IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre batch of 1990. He served as the police commissioner of Bengaluru City Police in 2019. In 2021, he took on the role of ADGP for railways. He joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2022 but later switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2023. |
| Rao was born in Chennai and grew up in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. During college, he became a cadet in the NCC (National Cadet Corps). In 1990, he became an IPS officer in Karnataka. His career began as an assistant superintendent of police in Davanagere, Karnataka, in October 1992. |
| He served in various positions including deputy commissioner of police in Hubli and Dharwad areas in Karnataka. Rao also served in Madikeri, Kodagu District, and the United Nations in Yugoslavia. He held roles as the managing director of Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited and deputy commissioner of police in Bengaluru. |
| Rao has a passion for cycling and long-distance running, participating in events like marathons and cycle races. One notable event was the 8-day 900 km cycling event 'Tour of Nilgiris' in 2008. He was actively involved in initiatives like 'Karnataka Darshan' for 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.' |
| In 2020, Rao gave a TEDx speech on the 'Importance of Community Relationships.' One incident in May 2020 involved criticism for violating social distancing norms during a church service at St. Mark’s Cathedral. He initiated a music video to appreciate COVID-19 helpers featuring Sudha Murthy and B. S. Yeddyurappa. |
| Rao transitioned to the BJP in 2023 from AAP, citing concerns about AAP operating like an MNC instead of a political party. |
