Srinagar, October 16 (KNB): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged misconduct by senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan towards JKAS officer Beenish Wani, following a controversy triggered by a viral video purportedly showing the officer using abusive language during an official meeting.
According to Government Order No. 1654-JK (GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department on October 16, sanction has been accorded to the appointment of Mandeep Kaur, IAS Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, as the Inquiry Officer to examine the matter.
The inquiry concerns allegations against Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS, who is currently serving as Administrative Secretary in the Labour and Employment Department, regarding his reported conduct towards Beenish Wani, JKAS, Assistant Director, Employment, Ganderbal.
As per the order, the Inquiry Officer has been directed to submit a detailed report within 15 days from the date of issuance of the order. Amit Vermani, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as the Presenting Officer in the matter.
The government’s move comes amid widespread reactions to a video purportedly showing a heated exchange between Ranjan and Wani during a virtual review meeting of Mission YUVA held on October 14. The disagreement reportedly concerned the role of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in achieving departmental targets.
During the exchange, Ranjan was allegedly heard using derogatory language against Wani and asserting his authority as her superior. The video subsequently circulated widely on social media, prompting criticism and demands for accountability from political leaders and sections of the administrative fraternity.
The incident has also raised questions about professional conduct, dignity in the workplace and the treatment of subordinate officers during official proceedings.
The government order initiates a formal inquiry into the allegations. Further action, if any, will depend on the findings of the inquiry and the government’s subsequent decision.
The allegations are subject to examination through the inquiry process. (KNB)