A viral video purportedly showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan using abusive language against a woman junior officer during an official online meeting has triggered controversy in Jammu and Kashmir, with administrative officers and political leaders calling for an inquiry.
The exchange reportedly took place on October 14 during a review meeting on Mission YUVA, a government initiative focused on youth entrepreneurship and employment. Ranjan, the administrative secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, was questioning Beenish Wani, an assistant director at the Employment and Counselling Centre in Ganderbal, about the role of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in carrying out departmental work.
In the video circulating on social media, Ranjan repeatedly interrupts Wani as she attempts to explain her position. He is heard using derogatory language and saying, “I am your boss, stupid,” after Wani objects to the way he is addressing her.
The exchange escalates further, with Ranjan directing officials to initiate suspension proceedings against Wani and write to the General Administration Department seeking her dismissal. The footage does not establish that any such order was subsequently issued.
Wani has confirmed the incident in media interactions and described it as a distressing experience. She said she had joined the virtual meeting from home despite being on leave because of a foot fracture.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had taken up the issue with the chief secretary, describing the senior officer’s conduct in the circulating video as inconsistent with the standards expected of a senior IAS officer.
Abdullah also directed the chief secretary to ensure that Wani did not face retaliatory action. He noted that control over IAS officers in the Union Territory rests with the Lieutenant Governor, while saying he had raised the matter in strong terms.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti also criticised the language used in the meeting and called for action against Ranjan.
The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services fraternity condemned the alleged verbal abuse and humiliation of Wani, saying that performance reviews and administrative accountability do not justify abusive or intimidating conduct.
The association has called for an impartial inquiry into the incident and urged the authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the exchange.