Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel had ordered the removal of Surajpur’s District Collector Ranbir Sharma slapping a man over violating lockdown norms. The video of Mr. Sharma went viral and according to CM, he also came to know about the officer’s misbehaviour through social media only.
Chief Minister tweeted, “It is very sad and condemnable. No such act will be tolerated in Chhattisgarh. Instructions have been given to remove Collector Ranbir Sharma with immediate effect”. In another tweet Baghel apologised to the man saying, “I am upset with this incident. I apologise to the young man and his family.”
In the video, the IAS was seen slapping a man while enforcing lockdown norms in the district. Sharma was also seen instructing police officers accompanying him to beat the person. The video was shared and condemned by several other officers also.
The IAS Association had also condemned Sharma’s behaviour. “It is unacceptable and against the basic tenets of the service and civility. Civil servants must have empathy and provide a healing touch to society at all times, more so in these difficult times,” the association said on Twitter.
Mr. Sharma has apologised for his actions.
