In videos that are now viral, District Collector Ranbir Sharma is seen taking the youth's phone and then smashing it on the road. He then slaps the youth even as he tries to show him some paper, apparently to explain why he is outdoors during the lockdown.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday announced the removal of District Surajpur Collector Ranbir Sharma after videos emerged of him slapping a youth who was reportedly out to buy some medicines amid the statewide lockdown.
सोशल मीडिया के माध्यम से सूरजपुर कलेक्टर रणबीर शर्मा द्वारा एक नवयुवक से दुर्व्यवहार का मामला मेरे संज्ञान में आया है।
यह बेहद दुखद और निंदनीय है। छत्तीसगढ़ में इस तरह का कोई कृत्य कतई बर्दाश्त नहीं किया जाएगा।
कलेक्टर रणबीर शर्मा को तत्काल प्रभाव से हटाने के निर्देश दिए हैं।
The Indian Administrative Service officers association too had earlier in the day strongly condemned the actions of the District Collector.
The IAS Association strongly condemns the behaviour of Collector Surajpur, Chhattisgarh.
It is unacceptable & against the basic tenets of the service & civility.
Civil servants must have empathy & provide a healing touch to society at all times, more so in these difficult times.
In a post, the IAS association said on Twitter: "The IAS Association strongly condemns the behaviour of Collector Surajpur, Chhattisgarh. It is unacceptable & against the basic tenets of service and civility. Civil servants must have empathy and provide a healing touch to society at all times, more so in these difficult times."
In videos that are now viral, District Collector Ranbir Sharma is seen taking the youth's phone and then smashing it on the road. He then slaps the youth even as he tries to show him some paper, apparently to explain why he is outdoors during the lockdown.
वाकई हद है ये...
यकीन नहीं तो ये वीडियो भी देख लीजिये.. कलेक्टर साहब आपको किस बात की इतनी खीज..
लड़का कह रहा, भगवान कसम फ़ोन पे कोई रिकॉर्ड नहीं किया..पर वाह रे दंभ.. https://t.co/GhFmnf1qa4 pic.twitter.com/ZLAdkVlhLo
The video also shows a few policemen rush in seeing the District Collector and start beating the youth with canes. District Collector Ranbir Sharma is heard saying "maaro ise" (beat him up).
The video triggered massive outrage, with many claiming that the civil servant had severely violated his powers.
Sanjeev Gupta, secretary at the Union Home Ministry's Inter-State Council Secretariat, called the district collector's act despicable and unbecoming of an IAS officer.
Despicable conduct unbecoming of an IAS officer. Beating a young boy & banging his phone. Gora Sahib syndrome! He could've cross checked with more dignity or let police take action for over speeding. I've brought it to notice of the Chief Secretary, CG. https://t.co/4azqQNxOQo
— Sanjeev Gupta (@sanjg2k1)
Gupta -- in his Twitter post -- said he had also raised the matter with the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary.
The Chhattisgarh government later informed in a statement that the district collector has apologised for his behaviour.