“You are bloody shit. I can always talk to you like this.”
A video of senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan making these remarks to a junior woman colleague during an official meeting in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered widespread criticism. The exchange took place during a virtual review meeting on Mission YUVA, where Ranjan was discussing the programme’s progress with officials, including Beenish Wani, an Assistant Director in the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS).
The confrontation escalated as Wani attempted to explain her office’s work and objected to the language being used against her. Ranjan was also heard asserting his authority, saying, “I am your boss, stupid.”
The footage has prompted demands for accountability from administrative officers and political leaders. The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged misconduct, appointing a senior IAS officer to examine the incident and submit a report within 15 days.
What Happened During The Meeting?
The argument took place during a review meeting on Mission YUVA, with discussions involving the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
Ranjan, who serves as Administrative Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, questioned NRLM’s role in the work being reviewed. Wani, who is posted as Assistant Director of Employment in Ganderbal, attempted to explain the progress made by her office and the agency’s involvement.
According to reports describing the footage, Ranjan repeatedly asked Wani to stop speaking. The exchange grew more heated when she objected to his language.
In the video, Ranjan can be heard using an abusive slur and telling Wani that he was her boss. He also reportedly asked another officer to prepare a suspension order for her.
ALSO READ: When A Denied Work From Home Request Led To A Top Employee’s Exit
What Have The Two Officers Said?
Wani confirmed that the incident had taken place and rejected suggestions that the video was morphed or generated using artificial intelligence.
She had joined the meeting from home despite being on leave with a fractured foot.
“Dignity of a woman should be protected. No one can treat us like that,” she said, as reported by NDTV.
Ranjan, meanwhile, said he was sorry if he had said something in the heat of the moment. He claimed he had repeatedly asked Wani to remain quiet but alleged that she continued to provoke him.
He also claimed that Wani had used the words “hell with you” and urged people to watch the entire one-hour meeting before drawing conclusions from the clips circulating online.
The two officers have offered different accounts of the exchange. The inquiry will examine the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
ALSO WATCH: Starvik Design founder issues explanation behind firing their employee over his remarks
Government Orders A 15-Day Inquiry
On October 16, the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered an inquiry into the allegations against Ranjan.
Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner and Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, was appointed as the inquiry officer. She has been directed to submit her report within 15 days of the order.
Amit Vermani, Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, was appointed as the presenting officer.
The inquiry will examine the alleged misconduct and establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation. The order does not, by itself, establish a final finding of misconduct or announce Ranjan’s suspension.
ALSO WATCH: Employee Fired Over Viral Zoom Call Speaks Up
Omar Abdullah And JKAS Officers React
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had watched the video and raised the matter with the chief secretary in the “strongest possible terms”.
He said the conduct visible in the footage did not appear consistent with the standards expected of a senior IAS officer. He also expressed concern over the reported threat of retaliatory action against Wani and directed officials to ensure she was not penalised.
Abdullah noted that control over IAS officers rests with the Lok Bhavan while Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. He said that, had J&K been a state, the officer could have been attached to the General Administration Department pending an inquiry.
The JKAS fraternity has also condemned the alleged abuse and called for an impartial investigation. Its members have demanded protection for Wani against retaliation and accountability over the incident.
The government’s inquiry will now examine the allegations and determine what further action, if any, is warranted.
ALSO WATCH: Airline Employee Harassed By Neighbours
TL;DR | News At A Glance
What Happened?
A video showed IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly abusing a woman colleague during an official meeting.
Who Was Involved?
Ranjan and Beenish Wani, an Assistant Director in the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service.
When Did It Happen?
October 14, 2026.
Where Did It Happen?
During a virtual review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.
What Happens Next?
The government has ordered an inquiry, with a report due within 15 days.
Why Does It Matter?
The incident has prompted calls for accountability and concerns about the treatment of junior officers by senior officials.
