Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has suspended Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chhotu Lal Sharma, 2015 batch RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Service) officer, with immediate effect after a video surfaced showing him slapping a CNG pump employee in Bhilwara. The suspension order, issued on administrative grounds, came after the video went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from citizens and officials alike.
The viral clip, recorded on October 21 along the Ajmer–Bhilwara National Highway, captures Mr Sharma arguing with a petrol pump worker and asserting his authority by saying, “I’m the SDM here. Do you know who I am?” The argument quickly escalated, leading to a scuffle in which both the SDM and the employee exchanged slaps.
Police later detained three petrol pump employees – Deepak Mali, Prabhu Lal Kumawat, and Raja Sharma – for questioning, and a case has been registered 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.
Read Also: Rajasthan SDM Faces Heat for Assaulting Petrol Pump Employee; Past Controversies Resurface
Wife Files FIR, Alleges Harassment
Following the incident, Deepika Vyas, who claims to be Mr Sharma’s wife, lodged a complaint at the local police station. She alleged that one of the petrol pump workers winked at her, triggering the altercation. According to her complaint, when Sharma objected, the staff member allegedly refused service and began filling another car instead. The situation then spiraled into a physical fight.
Police have filed a cross-FIR, registering cases of assault and harassment against the petrol pump employees while also investigating Sharma’s actions.
Family Dispute Adds to the Controversy
The controversy took a new turn when reports surfaced that Chhotu Lal Sharma is already married to another woman, Poonam Sharma, and has two daughters with her. Sources claim that Mr Sharma left his first wife and remarried without obtaining a legal divorce – which, under law, renders the second marriage invalid.
While Deepika Vyas identified herself as Sharma’s wife and confirmed the same in writing at the police station, Poonam Sharma has accused him of “misrepresenting his marital status” and alleged that Deepika is “falsely claiming her place.”
The revelation has intensified public backlash and raised questions about Sharma’s conduct, both personally and professionally.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time SDM Sharma has been embroiled in controversy. A 2015-batch RAS officer, Sharma has served in Banswara, Mandal, Tonk, Gangrar (Chittorgarh), and Bhilwara districts.
Over his career, he has been placed under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) or removed from his position multiple times for misconduct and disputes with colleagues.
- In 2017, he was APOed after a public argument with a Panchayat Samiti Development Officer in Bhilwara.
- Later the same year, he faced action over alleged irregularities in mining operations.
- In 2018, he was removed from Tonk following a bribery-related controversy.
Despite repeated disciplinary issues, Sharma continued to receive postings until the recent incident reignited scrutiny over his behavior and accountability within the administrative system.
Public Reaction and Government Response
The viral video has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with citizens questioning why disciplinary action was not taken earlier despite Sharma’s history of controversies.
The Rajasthan government has confirmed his suspension with immediate effect, citing “administrative reasons.” Meanwhile, police are reviewing CCTV footage from the petrol pump to establish a clear sequence of events and determine accountability.
The case has now become both a disciplinary and legal matter, highlighting concerns about administrative ethics and the public image of government officials.
