A video from Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district has stirred controversy online, showing District Magistrate and IAS officer Sanjeev Srivastava repeatedly slapping a student during an exam inspection. The footage, which has gone viral on social media, captures Srivastava pulling the student out of his seat and hitting him several times at Deendayal Dangraulia Mahavidyalaya during a BSc second-year mathematics examination on April 1.
The student, identified as Rohit Rathore, was later taken to another room where the officer reportedly handed his answer sheet to staff, pointing towards him for further action.
The Chambal region, including Bhind and Morena, frequently draws attention for widespread malpractice during academic exams. Responding to the incident, Srivastava stated that authorities had received a tip-off regarding organized cheating at the college. “When we arrived, the hall seemed calm, but one student didn’t have his question paper. Upon strict questioning, he admitted that he had sent his paper out to be solved and intended to pass on the answers,” the officer explained.
Srivastava defended his actions as a deterrent against cheating and added that a formal complaint has been lodged with Jiwaji University against the institution. He claimed the malpractice was not isolated but part of a broader network.
Meanwhile, the student offered a different account. Speaking to the media, Rathore denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I went to the toilet and left my question paper on the desk. When I came back, it was missing. Another student had two question papers. The officer slapped me twice in the hall and again downstairs. I had to take medicine afterward because I was hurt.”
Rathore, who has now been issued a supplementary exam, maintained that he did not send the paper out and insists he was wrongly accused.
The college is reportedly owned by Narayan Dangraulia, father-in-law of opposition leader Hemant Katare, further adding a political undertone to the unfolding controversy.
