A viral video has thrust Bhind District Magistrate Sanjeev Srivastava, a 2011-batch IAS officer, into the national spotlight – and for all the wrong reasons. The footage, now widely circulated on social media, shows Mr Srivastava slapping a college student multiple times during an exam at a local college in Madhya Pradesh. The incident, though it occurred on April 1, 2025, came to public attention only after the video surfaced in July.
The Viral Incident: Public Backlash Over Physical Assault
The video, recorded at Deendayal Dangraulia Mahavidyalaya, shows the officer confronting Rohit Rathore, a BSc second-year student. Srivastava is seen dragging the student from his desk and slapping him repeatedly, reportedly over alleged cheating. The officer claims the student possessed a paper used for copying.
In another clip, Srivastava takes the student into the staff room, again slapping him and questioning, “Where is your paper?” while handing over what appears to be a piece of evidence to a staffer.
Rathore later told the media, “I had gone to the toilet and left the question paper on the table. When I returned, it was missing. Another student was found with two question papers. But I didn’t have any paper on me.” He added, “He is an IAS officer, so I kept quiet.”
Read also: Bhind Collector Caught on Camera Slapping Student During Exam, Incident Sparks Outrage
Who Is Sanjeev Srivastava
Mr Srivastava was born on 27 June 1968 in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. After a challenging journey, he achieved his dream of becoming a government officer. In 2011, he was promoted from the State Civil Services to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Before his posting in Bhind, he served as the Collector of Umaria district. He has also held various administrative positions in Betul, Chhatarpur, Raisen, and Bhopal.
Educational and Career Background
Born: Raisen, Madhya Pradesh
Education:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA)
- Joined IAS: 2011 batch via State Civil Services (SCS) promotion from Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Career Highlights and Postings
IAS Sanjeev Srivastava has held several significant posts in the Madhya Pradesh administration over the past two decades:
- Current Post: Collector, Bhind (since May 2, 2025)
- Previous Roles:
- Collector, Umaria
- Deputy Collector, Betul
- Allotment Officer, Directorate of Estates
- SDM, Chhatarpur and Betul
- District Deputy Manager, DPIP, Raisen
- Deputy Secretary, various departments (GAD, Labor, Medical Education, Tribal Affairs, Home)
- CEO, Zila Panchayat, Umaria
- Commissioner, Employment & Deputy Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare
- State Skill Development & Employment Generation Board, Bhopal
Prior Controversies
This isn’t the first time Sanjeev Srivastava has drawn public criticism:
In February 2025, the Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court expressed concern over his conduct in a Public Works Department-related case. The court remarked that the Chief Secretary should consider whether such an officer should remain in field duty.
In a separate case, Tehsildar Mala Sharma accused Srivastava and SDM Parag Jain of mental harassment, writing to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and stating, “If anything happens to me, Srivastava and Jain should be held responsible.”
What’s Next?
As the video triggers a fresh wave of outrage, questions are being raised about Srivastava’s conduct, disciplinary norms in the IAS, and the treatment of students under administrative watch. While no official statement has yet been made by the Madhya Pradesh government regarding disciplinary action, public pressure is mounting.
