Omar Abdullah slams senior IAS officer’s conduct in meeting, probe on

During a virtual Mission YUVA review meeting, J&K labour secretary Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly abused Beenish Wani, an assistant director in Ganderbal.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has strongly condemned the conduct of senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan following a controversial online meeting, stating that his behaviour was not in keeping with the standards expected of a senior civil servant.

A leaked video of a virtual administrative review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered outrage after senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan hurled abuses at a woman subordinate, Beenish Wani, and threatened to have her suspended and dismissed from service.

Meanwhile, J&K government has ordered an inquiry into the incident led by senior IAS officer Mandeep Kaur and she has been asked to submit a report within 15 days. Amit Vermani, a J&K administrative service (JKAS) officer, has been appointed as presenting officer in the matter.

The incident occurred during a virtual review meeting on “Mission YUVA”, when Ranjan, a 2010-batch IAS officer, serving as administrative secretary of the labour and employment department, reportedly used abusive language toward assistant director (employment and counselling centre, Ganderbal) and JKAS officer Beenish Wani. According to a video of the purported interaction, Ranjan repeatedly interrupted Wani, referred to her using demeaning language and threatened to recommend her dismissal when she attempted to explain her office’s targets.

“I’ve seen the video of the online government meeting that is circulating on social media. Prima facie the conduct of the senior officer was not in keeping with the standards expected of a senior IAS officer & the subsequent threats issued to a junior JKAS officer only make matters worse. I’ve taken this up in the strongest possible terms with the Chief Secretary. Unfortunately as a UT, control over IAS officers rests with Lok Bhavan but as CM, I’ve instructed the CS to ensure the JKAS officer faces no retributive action,” Abdullah wrote on X.

Meanwhile, National Women’s Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rhatkar has written to J&K chief secretary and sought an impartial inquiry, disciplinary and legal action.

A senior official confirmed lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha is aware of the incident and stated action will follow.

Meanwhile, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti urged the CM to demand strict action from the Centre, referencing past allegations against the officer.