Chhattisgarh CM removes District Collector caught on video slapping youth, throwing his phone

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.

The Indian Administrative Service officers association too had earlier in the day strongly condemned the actions of the District Collector.

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.

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. 

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.

• Chhattisgarh
• Chhattisgarh lockdown
• Coronavirus
• district collector
• viral video
• controversy
• IAS association