Jalaun (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer Rinkoo Singh Rahee has once again found himself in the spotlight after being transferred as SDM Judicial, Orai (Jalaun district) following a viral altercation with local BJP Block Pramukh Ramraja Niranjan. The transfer order was issued by the Jalaun District Magistrate soon after CCTV footage of the confrontation surfaced on social media.
The incident has triggered an administrative inquiry, protests by revenue officials, and renewed attention on the eventful career of the 2023-batch IAS officer, who has repeatedly made headlines for his unconventional style of functioning and strong anti-corruption stance.
Immediate Transfer After Viral Altercation
Mr Rahee was serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Jalaun, when the incident occurred during an inspection of Betwa Ice and Cold Storage in Bhitara on June 23.
Following the controversy, he was transferred and posted as SDM Judicial, Orai, while the district administration initiated an inquiry into the allegations.
What Happened During the Inspection?
According to a written complaint submitted by BJP Block Pramukh Ramraja Niranjan to District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Pandey, the SDM arrived at the cold storage for inspection along with officials from the Fire Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Tubewell Department and Horticulture Department.
The complainant alleged that the SDM instructed officials to produce all records within just two-and-a-half minutes.
The Block Pramukh claimed he requested the inspection team to examine the records inside the office and assured them that any shortcomings would be rectified immediately. However, he alleged that the SDM became agitated over the delay.
According to the complaint, IAS Rahee attempted to slap him, pushed him and behaved in an inappropriate manner in front of officials and workers.
The alleged incident was reportedly captured on CCTV cameras installed inside the cold storage premises. Around 50 labourers present at the site have also been cited as potential witnesses.
CCTV Video Goes Viral
A CCTV video of the confrontation, lasting approximately four minutes and twenty-seven seconds, was later released by the Block Pramukh during a press conference.
The footage quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread debate over the conduct of both the administrative officer and the elected public representative.
IAS Officer Denies Allegations
Mr Rahee has categorically denied all allegations, calling them baseless.
According to him, the inspection had uncovered several serious irregularities in the cold storage facility, and a detailed report had already been submitted to the District Magistrate.
He alleged that the complaint against him was an attempt to divert attention from the irregularities and influence the ongoing administrative action.
Five-Member Inquiry Committee Constituted
Following the complaint, District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Pandey assigned ADM (Finance and Revenue) Rajiv Rai to investigate the matter.
The administration has stated that appropriate action will be taken only after examining the inquiry report and verifying all available evidence, including CCTV footage.
At present, none of the allegations have been officially established.
Lekhpal Association Also Raises Complaints
The controversy deepened after members of the Uttar Pradesh Lekhpal Association submitted a collective leave application to the District Magistrate.
The revenue officials alleged that the SDM frequently behaved discourteously with staff members, publicly humiliated employees and often threatened them with suspension or dismissal.
The association has demanded an impartial inquiry and restoration of a healthy working environment in the tehsil administration.
Earlier Resignation Created Nationwide Debate
This is not the first time Mr Rahee has attracted national attention.
In March 2026, he submitted his resignation to the President of India, the Uttar Pradesh Appointments Department and the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), alleging that he had not been assigned meaningful work for a prolonged period after being shifted out of field posting.
His resignation triggered a nationwide debate on bureaucratic functioning and administrative postings.
About a month later, he withdrew his resignation after receiving assurances from the state administration.
Previous Viral ‘Uthak-Baithak’ Incident
Before his posting in Jalaun, Mr Rahee served as Joint Magistrate in Shahjahanpur and SDM of Powayan.
In July 2025, he came into national limelight after a viral video showed him performing ‘Uthak-Baithak’ (sit-ups while holding his ears) before protesting lawyers during a dispute over sanitation and administrative issues.
The Uttar Pradesh government transferred him to the Revenue Board in Lucknow within 36 hours of the incident.
Career Marked by Frequent Transfers
IAS Rahee’s administrative journey has been unusually eventful.
- July 2025: Shifted from SDM Powayan to Uttar Pradesh Revenue Board after the viral sit-up incident.
- March-April 2026: Submitted resignation citing lack of work before withdrawing it.
- May 2026: Posted as Joint Magistrate, Jalaun during a major IAS reshuffle.
- June 2026: Shifted to SDM Judicial, Orai after the latest controversy.
From PCS Officer to IAS
Mr Rahee’s career reflects years of perseverance. He cleared the Uttar Pradesh PCS Examination in 2004 and began his career as a District Social Welfare Officer.
While serving in government service, he continued preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and eventually entered the Indian Administrative Service after clearing the examination in 2022, joining the 2023 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Survived a Deadly Attack During Anti-Corruption Drive
One of the most remarkable chapters of IAS Rahee’s life dates back to 2008, when he was serving as District Social Welfare Officer in Muzaffarnagar.
While taking action against alleged corruption in the department, he reportedly became the target of a mafia group. He was shot multiple times—five bullets struck his abdomen and one hit his head.
Despite suffering life-threatening injuries and undergoing multiple surgeries over nearly two years, he survived and continued preparing for the UPSC examination during his recovery.
His eventual induction into the IAS became widely recognised as an extraordinary example of resilience and determination.
Inquiry Underway
With the inquiry currently in progress, the district administration has maintained that any further action will depend entirely on the findings of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the transfer of IAS officer Rinkoo Singh Rahee to the post of SDM Judicial, Orai has brought another dramatic chapter to the career of one of Uttar Pradesh’s most discussed young bureaucrats.
