J&K officers seek inquiry after disputed video of alleged workplace abuse

Jammu and Kashmir administrative officers have demanded an inquiry into allegations that a senior IAS officer verbally abused a woman colleague during an online review meeting in Srinagar on October 14. The labour department disputes the authenticity of a video circulating about the incident.

The allegations concern Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, the administrative secretary overseeing labour and employment, and Beenish Wani, an assistant director of employment posted in Ganderbal. Wani said the exchange took place during Wednesday’s meeting and that she had approached higher authorities.

The purported recording shows a disagreement over performance targets and support from another department. Ranjan is alleged to have used insulting language after Wani asked to explain her position, and to have directed that she be suspended.

The labour department has called the recording fabricated through digital manipulation. It said Wani had been on leave since October 13 and denied that the interaction shown in the clip had occurred.

The JKAS officers’ fraternity rejected that explanation. It said Wani and other officials attending the virtual meeting could vouch for the recording, while arguing that performance reviews could not justify intimidation or personal insults.

The fraternity asked the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary and General Administration Department to arrange an impartial investigation. It also sought protection against retaliation for the officer concerned and safeguards against intimidation in government workplaces.

Political representatives across party lines have called for action. National Conference leaders, the Congress, the PDP and the BJP criticised the alleged conduct, with the BJP saying such language would be unacceptable towards any subordinate.

The competing accounts leave the authenticity of the recording disputed. The officers’ demand covers both the alleged exchange during the meeting and the department’s subsequent public denial.