Srinagar, October 16: Political parties across Jammu and Kashmir have called for strict action against senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan after a video showing him allegedly verbally abusing a woman government officer during an official virtual meeting went viral on social media. The incident has drawn criticism from the ruling National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Ranjan, who is currently posted as administrative secretary in the Labour and Employment Department, allegedly lost his temper during a review meeting on the Mission YUVA programme. The meeting was focused on the role of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
During the meeting, Beenish Wani, assistant director at the Employment and Counselling Centre in Ganderbal, was briefing officials about her office's achievements when Ranjan allegedly interrupted her repeatedly. When she attempted to explain her position, he reportedly used abusive language and threatened to suspend her immediately.
The video sparked widespread outrage, with several political leaders and government employees demanding accountability.
National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had asked Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to ensure accountability and protect the woman officer from any retaliation. He stressed that no official should be allowed to misuse their position to intimidate or victimise colleagues.
Sadiq also highlighted the limitations of the elected government's authority under Jammu and Kashmir's current Union Territory structure. He said IAS officers fall under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor, limiting the chief minister's direct powers to transfer or discipline them.
The PDP also sought action against Ranjan. Party leader Iltija Mufti criticised the alleged conduct, while BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur described the language used against the woman officer as unacceptable and called for action.
Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi also shared the video on social media, praising Wani for maintaining her composure while defending her position during the exchange.
The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services officers' association expressed support for Wani, alleging that the incident was not isolated and that the officer had a history of using demeaning language in official settings. Ranjan had not publicly commented on the controversy at the time of reporting.
The IAS officer has also faced scrutiny in the past. He was suspended in 2020 after the CBI arrested him in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities in the issuance of arms licences in Jammu and Kashmir. He was reinstated in 2021, and the case remains pending.
In February 2025, the CBI registered a separate disproportionate assets case against Ranjan and his family members and conducted searches at multiple locations.
The latest controversy has renewed demands for accountability within the administration, with political parties across the ideological spectrum seeking action over the alleged misconduct. Any official decision regarding disciplinary proceedings remains awaited.
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