Bhopal/New Delhi: Massive outrage continues across Madhya Pradesh after senior IAS officer Santosh Verma made controversial remarks about Brahmin girls while speaking at a public event on November 23. Various Brahmin community organisations staged demonstrations in Narmadapuram, Gwalior, Burhanpur, Itarsi, Pipariya, Raisen and several other districts, demanding strict action, including his dismissal and registration of a criminal case.
Protesters burnt the officer’s effigies and submitted memoranda to district authorities, accusing him of making statements that were “derogatory, divisive, and harmful to social harmony.”
Government Issues Show-Cause Notice, Suspends Officer
Even before issuing his apology, the Madhya Pradesh government took swift disciplinary action against Verma, a 2012-batch IAS officer and President of MP AJAKS (Anusuchit Jati-Janjati Adhikari Evam Karmchari Sangh).
The General Administration Department (GAD) issued a show-cause notice, stating that his words amounted to “disrupting social harmony and spreading hatred in society.”
Late Wednesday night, the government also suspended him with immediate effect, pending further inquiry.
Read also: Big: Madhya Pradesh Suspends IAS Officer Santosh Verma Over Controversial Remarks on Brahmin Girls
Controversial Statement That Triggered the Storm
During the AJAKS state meeting held in Bhopal, Verma allegedly said:
“Reservation should continue until a Brahmin donates his daughter to my son.”
The video of the remark went viral on social media, leading to state-wide outrage.
Lawyers, Community Leaders Demand FIR
In Gwalior, a massive rally led by senior lawyer Anil Mishra marched to the Superintendent of Police’s office demanding an FIR against Verma.
SP Dharmveer Singh assured them that the matter would be examined. Protesters warned of intensified agitation if no FIR is registered within three days.
Similar protests were held in Rajgarh, where members of the All India Brahmin Samaj burned Verma’s effigy outside MP Nagar police station.
IAS Officer Issues Apology, Says Remarks Taken Out of Context
Following mounting public pressure, Verma issued an apology, claiming that his remarks were misinterpreted and selectively circulated.
He stated:
He was addressing an internal AJAKS meeting where discussions on reservation—economic vs. social—were taking place.
He insisted he had no intention to insult Brahmins or any community.
His statement was allegedly taken “out of context” and “only one line was propagated.”
Verma said:
“If my words have hurt any community or individual, I sincerely apologise.”
Officer’s Background and Previous Controversies
Santosh Verma, a 2014-batch MPPSC officer who was later promoted to IAS in 2021, has had a history of controversies:
He was jailed in 2021 for forging a CBI judge’s signature.
He has previously faced allegations involving threats, obscene material, and forging court orders for promotions.
What’s Next?
The government has demanded Verma’s formal response within seven days. An inquiry committee will determine whether his actions violated the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, which prohibit statements hurting communal harmony.
Legal experts say that depending on the inquiry, Verma could face:
- departmental charges,
- possible FIR,
and long-term suspension or removal from service.
The matter is likely to escalate further given the scale of protests and involvement of community organisations across the state.
