Onlykashmir.in News Desk
A purported video showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly using abusive language against woman JKAS officer Beenish Wani during an official online meeting has triggered widespread outrage in Jammu and Kashmir. Social media users are demanding stern action and raising serious questions about accountability, workplace dignity and the exercise of administrative authority.
The controversy centres on a Mission YUVA review meeting held on October 14. Ranjan, Administrative Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, was reportedly discussing the role of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission with Wani, Assistant Director at the Employment and Counselling Centre, Ganderbal. According to accounts accompanying the video, Wani was explaining her office’s position and the difficulties of coordinating with the concerned agency when the exchange escalated. Ranjan is allegedly heard telling her to remain quiet, using derogatory language and saying “I am your boss.” The footage also purportedly captures him directing officials to prepare a suspension order against her.
The exchange has drawn criticism because it allegedly took place in a review meeting, where differences over performance, targets and coordination are expected to be settled through professional discussion rather than insults or intimidation. Many reactions have focused on the power imbalance between senior and subordinate officers and on the need to ensure that hierarchy does not undermine the dignity of government employees.
The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services fraternity has condemned the alleged abuse and public humiliation of Wani and sought an impartial inquiry. It maintains that performance monitoring is essential but cannot justify abusive language or intimidation. Officers and employees have also argued that any inquiry must ensure the woman officer faces no retaliation for the incident or for raising concerns.
The Labour and Employment Department has described the circulating clips as selectively edited and unverified. Ranjan has reportedly questioned the authenticity of the video, with one account quoting him as saying it could be “morphed or AI-generated.” Wani has reportedly confirmed that the incident took place and rejected suggestions that it was fabricated, stressing that a woman’s dignity must be protected. Ranjan has separately expressed regret over any inappropriate words used in the heat of the moment.
A top official said an impartial examination of the complete, unedited recording and the official proceedings is particularly important. Establishing the authenticity and context of the footage, and verifying whether a suspension order was actually initiated, would help separate facts from allegations and fix responsibility. Observers have urged that the matter be handled through a credible process rather than being left to competing statements and online reactions.
