Jaipur: Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chhotulal Sharma has once again landed in controversy after a video surfaced showing him slapping a petrol pump employee in Bhilwara. The incident, which took place on October 21 along the Ajmer–Bhilwara National Highway, has triggered public outrage and reignited discussions about Sharma’s history of misconduct.
In the viral video, Sharma can be seen arguing with a CNG pump worker, asserting his authority by saying, “I’m the SDM here. Do you know who I am?” The confrontation escalated, leading to mutual slaps being exchanged between the officer and the employee. Police later arrived at the scene and detained three petrol pump staff members — Deepak Mali, Prabhu Lal Kumawat, and Raja Sharma — while launching an investigation into the assault from both sides.
Who Is Chhotulal Sharma?
Born on June 1, 1980, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Chhotulal Sharma joined the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) in 2015. He has served as SDM in Gangrar (Chittorgarh) and held postings in Banswara, Mandal, Tonk, and Bhilwara districts. Mr Sharma is currently posted in Pratapgarh. Despite his administrative career, Sharma has been repeatedly surrounded by controversies, earning a reputation as one of the most contentious officers in the state bureaucracy.
Wife Files Harassment FIR Against Petrol Pump Staff
Following the altercation, Deepika Vyas, who claims to be Sharma’s wife, lodged an FIR against the petrol pump employees at the local police station, alleging molestation and harassment.
According to her complaint, one of the workers winked at her, provoking her husband’s reaction. When Sharma protested, the employee allegedly refused to service their vehicle and began filling another car instead. The situation escalated into a scuffle, with three individuals reportedly attacking the SDM.
Multiple Postings, Multiple Controversies
This is not the first time SDM Chhotulal Sharma, a 2015-batch RAS officer, has faced controversy. Over the years, he has been removed from his post or placed on Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) three times due to disputes and disciplinary issues.
In 2017, while serving as SDM in Mandal subdivision of Bhilwara, he was APOed after a public altercation with Panchayat Samiti Development Officer Giriraj Meena during an official camp. Later that same year, the Personnel Department again placed him under APO over alleged irregularities in a mining operation.
In 2018, Sharma was reportedly removed from Tonk following a bribery dispute.
Family Feud Surfaces
Adding another layer to the controversy, two women — Poonam Sharma and Deepika Vyas — have both claimed to be Sharma’s wives.
According to reports, Sharma was earlier married to Poonam Sharma, with whom he has two children. The couple reportedly separated, and Poonam later filed theft and divorce cases against him at Kalinjara Police Station during his posting in Banswara.
Meanwhile, Deepika Vyas, who has one child with Sharma, has been identified as the woman present during the recent petrol pump incident. Poonam Sharma, however, has alleged that Deepika is “falsely claiming her place” and that the SDM is “wrongly presenting her as his wife.”
Public Backlash and Police Investigation
Following the video’s circulation, there has been widespread criticism on social media, with citizens questioning why no strict action has been taken against the officer despite repeated controversies.
Police have confirmed that a cross-FIR has been registered, and investigations into both the assault and harassment allegations are ongoing. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage to ascertain the sequence of events.
