The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday removed IAS officer Santosh Verma from the post of deputy secretary (agriculture) following massive outrage over his allegedly derogatory remarks about Brahmin women. The state has also recommended his dismissal from the Indian Administrative Service to the Central government, citing the use of forged documents that allegedly aided his elevation from the State Administrative Service.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered immediate action after multiple videos of Verma making contentious statements surfaced online and triggered widespread criticism.
Remarks Spark Anger; Brahmin Community Calls Protest
Tension escalated across the state after a viral video showed Verma purportedly claiming that caste-based reservation should continue until a Brahmin “donates his daughter to his son or a relationship is established between them.”
The inflammatory comment provoked strong objections from the Brahmin community, which announced a protest at Chief Minister Yadav’s residence on Sunday. Community leaders accused Verma of insulting women, disturbing social harmony, and making intentionally provocative statements.
Read also: IAS Officer Santosh Verma Sparks Fresh Controversy Over Viral Remarks Echoing MP Chandrashekhar
Departmental Inquiry Reaches Final Stage
Chief Minister Yadav confirmed that an inquiry into allegations that Verma obtained an integrity certificate through fabricated documents is nearing completion.
“His reply to the show cause notice was not satisfactory. He is continuously issuing undignified statements. Therefore, it has been decided to issue a charge sheet against him,” Yadav said, adding that strict action has also been directed in the forgery case registered against Verma.
History of Criminal Allegations and Past Suspension
This is not the first instance of disciplinary action against Verma. He was previously suspended in 2021 after being arrested over allegations that he assaulted a woman after promising marriage. He was later released on bail, but the departmental inquiry related to that case has remained ongoing.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that Verma obtained his IAS promotion through “forged and fabricated orders” claiming he had been cleared of criminal cases.
“Criminal cases are pending in various courts. The IAS promotion obtained based on forged documents and fraud is invalid,” the official statement read.
More Controversial Videos Add Fuel to the Fire
In another viral clip, Verma is allegedly heard accusing the High Court of being unjust to SC and ST candidates by restricting their chances of becoming civil judges despite reservation.
“This is the same high court from which we demand a guarantee of adherence to the Constitution,” he reportedly said.
A separate video features Verma making a provocative statement:
“How many Santosh Vermas will you kill, how many will you burn, how many will you swallow? Now, a Santosh Verma will emerge from every house…”
Removed From Post, Attached to GAD Pool
Days after making the controversial statements at a conference of the SC/ST Officers and Employees Association in Bhopal on November 23—where he was elected president—Verma was attached to the General Administration Department (GAD) without any assigned duties.
Despite multiple attempts, Verma did not respond to calls seeking his reaction to the government’s actions.
Read also: Controversy Surrounds IAS Officer Santosh Verma Over Alleged Fabricated Judgments and Promotion
