Jammu and Kashmir, 16 October
IAS Officer Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Abusing J&K Woman Officer
A video showing IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly shouting at a woman government officer during a video conference has triggered criticism, with employee organisations and political figures calling for accountability. IAS Officer Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Abusing J&K Woman Officer.
The incident reportedly occurred during a meeting chaired by Ranjan on October 14. The video shows him reprimanding Beenish Wani, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer serving as Assistant Director, Employment, in Ganderbal.
During the exchange, Ranjan allegedly used the phrase “bloody shit” and ordered Wani’s immediate suspension. The incident has raised concerns over workplace conduct and the treatment of government employees during official proceedings.
Video Shows Heated Exchange During NRLM Discussion
According to the reported account, the disagreement began during a discussion about the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Ranjan questioned Wani about the role of the mission, saying that officials should not merely write letters and claim credit for work carried out by others. He described the mission as a supporting mechanism rather than the main authority.
When Wani attempted to explain her position, Ranjan allegedly told her to “shut up.”
The exchange escalated when Wani questioned his tone. Ranjan reportedly responded in Hindi, “Madam, chup baithati ho ki nahin,” which translates roughly to, “Madam, will you sit quietly or not?”
Wani then challenged his manner of speaking, asking, “How dare you talk to me like this?”
The video has circulated widely, drawing attention to the exchange between the two officials. The full context of the meeting and any official response should be considered when assessing the incident.
Beenish Wani Alleges Previous Harassment
Speaking to The Tribune, Wani reportedly said that she had faced harassment from Ranjan in the past as well and that her earlier complaints had not received an effective response.
She stressed that government officers should not be subjected to such treatment and said she had approached higher authorities. IAS Officer Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Abusing J&K Woman Officer. IAS Officer Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Abusing J&K Woman Officer.
According to the report, Wani said she had been assured that the matter would be examined.
Her account has added to calls for the incident to be investigated and for the concerns raised by the officer to be addressed through the appropriate administrative process.
Iltija Mufti, Employees’ Body Seek Action
The video also drew criticism from Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti.
In a post on X, Mufti criticised the alleged language used during the meeting and called for accountability.
The Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) also condemned the officer’s reported behaviour and tone on Thursday, October 15, and called for an impartial inquiry.
In its statement, the organisation said disagreements during official proceedings should be handled professionally and without compromising the dignity of government employees.
The calls for an inquiry have placed the focus on whether the conduct shown in the video violated applicable service rules or workplace standards.
Ranjan’s Previous Suspension and CBI Investigations
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan is a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, according to the information provided. IAS Officer Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Abusing J&K Woman Officer.
His service history has previously come under scrutiny. In 2020, the government ordered his suspension following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged issuance of numerous arms licences using forged documents. He was reinstated in 2021. IAS Officer Faces Backlash After Video Shows Him Abusing J&K Woman Officer.
In 2025, the CBI reportedly conducted searches at seven locations as part of an investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets.
These earlier matters are separate from the controversy surrounding the video conference. Allegations and investigations should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing unless established through the relevant legal or administrative process.
Calls Grow for an Impartial Inquiry
The incident has renewed discussion about professional conduct, accountability and the dignity of public servants in official meetings.
Wani has reportedly sought intervention from senior authorities, while EJAC has called for an impartial inquiry into the episode.
Any further action will depend on the findings of the relevant authorities and the applicable service rules. An official response from the administration would help clarify whether a formal inquiry or disciplinary proceedings have been initiated.
This report is based on the information provided and has not been independently verified. Statements and allegations are attributed to the reported sources.