Srinagar: A controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after a purported video showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan (2010: AGMUT), allegedly using abusive language towards junior Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer Beenish Wani during an official meeting circulated widely on social media.
The incident has drawn criticism from political leaders, including National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone, who have called for accountability over the officer’s alleged conduct.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered an inquiry into the matter, appointing senior IAS officer Mandeep Kaur to investigate the allegations and submit a report within 15 days.
Viral Video Shows Heated Exchange During Mission YUVA Review Meeting
The incident reportedly occurred on October 14 during an online review meeting concerning Mission YUVA, chaired by Ranjan, Administrative Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department.
According to media reports, the disagreement arose during a discussion about the role of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). Beenish Wani, a 2015-batch JKAS officer serving as Assistant Director at the Employment and Counselling Centre in Ganderbal, was briefing officials when the exchange escalated.
The purported video shows Ranjan speaking harshly to Wani and threatening to recommend suspension when she attempted to explain her position. The officer also reportedly used abusive language during the exchange.
The video triggered criticism over the treatment of junior officers and the standards of professional conduct expected during official proceedings.
J&K Administration Orders 15-Day Inquiry
The Jammu and Kashmir government ordered an inquiry into the alleged misconduct on October 16.
Mandeep Kaur, a 2004-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre and Commissioner/Secretary in the Housing and Urban Development Department, has been appointed inquiry officer.
She has been directed to submit a report within 15 days of the order’s issuance. Amit Vermani, a JKAS officer serving as Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, has been appointed presenting officer.
The inquiry will examine the allegations concerning Ranjan’s conduct towards Wani during the official meeting.
The allegations remain subject to the inquiry’s findings.
Farooq Abdullah Calls Behaviour ‘Unbecoming’ of an IAS Officer
National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed dismay after watching the video, criticising the language allegedly used by the senior officer.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said:
“When I saw the incident on social media, I felt ashamed. His behavior was completely unbecoming of an IAS officer. He has put the entire administrative community in an embarrassing position.”
Abdullah said civil servants were expected to listen patiently to people’s concerns and discharge their responsibilities with professionalism.
Referring to the exchange with Wani, he added:
“The language he used with the woman officer was extremely inappropriate. He should be reprimanded. Instead of listening, he directly said, ‘Get out, get out.’ This is completely wrong. He should be removed from Jammu and Kashmir.”
His remarks added to the political pressure for action following the video’s circulation.
Mehbooba Mufti Urges Omar Abdullah to Seek Strict Action
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also criticised the alleged conduct, urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with the Government of India.
In a post on X, Mufti wrote:
“Such erratic and disdainful conduct cannot be tolerated. CM Omar Abdullah must immediately take up the matter with the Government of India and demand strict action against the officer who is already facing allegations of issuing illegal gun licences.”
Her remarks also referred to allegations concerning the officer’s past handling of gun licences. Those allegations are separate from the present inquiry into his conduct towards Wani.
Mufti’s statement called for the matter to be escalated to the Centre for consideration of further action.
Sajad Lone Calls for Accountability Over Workplace Conduct
Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone condemned the alleged treatment of Wani, describing the incident as more than an instance of workplace bullying.
Lone praised the junior officer for standing her ground during the exchange and raised concerns about the normalisation of intimidating behaviour within administrative workplaces.
He called for accountability and measures to address the broader issue of workplace conduct in government institutions.
His response reflected wider political criticism of the incident and demands for action against the senior officer.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Raises Concern Over Retaliation
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also took up the matter with the Chief Secretary, saying the senior officer’s conduct, as seen in the circulating video, was not in keeping with the standards expected of a senior bureaucrat.
In a post on X, Abdullah said:
“I’ve seen the video of the online government meeting that is circulating on social media. Prima facie the conduct of the senior officer was not in keeping with the standards expected of a senior IAS officer & the subsequent threats issued to a junior JKAS officer only make matters worse.”
He also directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that Wani did not face retaliatory action in connection with the incident.
The Chief Minister’s intervention came as demands for an inquiry and accountability grew.
Administrative Conduct Under Scrutiny
The incident has renewed attention on professional conduct, supervisory authority and the treatment of junior officers in government departments.
While senior officials are responsible for reviewing performance and addressing administrative shortcomings, the allegations have prompted questions about how disagreements should be handled during official meetings.
The inquiry will examine the alleged misconduct and provide an opportunity for the relevant facts to be established.
Who Is IAS Officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan?
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan is a 2010-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre serving as Administrative Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir’s Labour and Employment Department. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from V.B.U. Hazaribagh. He has previously faced investigations related to alleged irregularities in arms licences and a disproportionate-assets case.
