Srinagar, October 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an in-depth inquiry into allegations of misconduct by senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan towards JKAS officer Beenish Wani during an official review meeting, while issuing a fresh circular directing government employees to maintain professional conduct and mutual respect.
According to Government Order No. 1654-JK(GAD) of 2026, Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer to examine the allegations. She has been directed to submit her report within 15 days of the issuance of the order.
Amit Verma, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government in the General Administration Department (GAD), has been appointed as the Presenting Officer in the matter.
The controversy relates to an online review meeting held on October 14 concerning Mission YUVA, the government’s youth entrepreneurship and employment initiative. During the meeting, Ranjan allegedly used objectionable language towards Wani, Assistant Director, Employment, Ganderbal, and threatened action against her after she objected to the manner in which she was addressed.
A video of the exchange subsequently circulated on social media, triggering widespread reactions and demands for accountability. The allegations remain subject to the government’s inquiry, and no finding of misconduct has been formally established.
GAD issues circular on professional conduct
In a related development, the General Administration Department has issued Circular No. 24-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 16, reiterating the standards of conduct and professional decorum expected from government employees.
The circular, issued by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government M. Raju, refers to Rule 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, along with other applicable service provisions.
It directs government employees to uphold integrity, devotion to duty, discipline and professionalism while interacting with senior officers, colleagues, subordinate staff and members of the public.
The circular specifically emphasises that professional decorum must be maintained irrespective of rank or seniority. It states that supervisory authority should be exercised responsibly and fairly, while all employees must show due regard for lawful directions, established procedures and their official responsibilities.
The government has also directed employees to refrain from derogatory, threatening or otherwise inappropriate language and conduct inconsistent with the dignity of public office.
Administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, heads of departments and other designated authorities have been instructed to communicate the directions to employees under their administrative control and ensure compliance.
Although the circular does not name any officer or explicitly link its issuance to the controversy, its emphasis on respectful official interactions comes amid public debate over the October 14 incident.
JKAS association seeks impartial investigation
The All Jammu and Kashmir Junior Scale KAS Association (AJKSKA) had condemned the alleged verbal abuse and public humiliation of a senior female JKAS officer during the meeting and called for an impartial investigation.
The association appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary and the General Administration Department to ensure a fair examination of the incident and protect the affected officer against possible retaliatory action.
It maintained that performance monitoring and administrative accountability were essential for effective governance but could not justify abusive language, intimidation or conduct undermining an officer’s dignity.
The association also questioned a subsequent departmental clarification reportedly describing the circulating video as AI-generated or fabricated. It called for independent verification of the footage.
Omar Abdullah expresses concern
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over the reported incident, stating that the conduct visible in the circulating video appeared inconsistent with the standards expected of a senior IAS officer.
According to his public statement, Abdullah said he had taken up the matter with the Chief Secretary and directed that Wani should not face retaliatory action in connection with the incident.
He also highlighted the administrative arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir, under which IAS officers are controlled by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, while stressing the need to address allegations of abusive or threatening conduct through the appropriate process.
The government-ordered inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the exchange and establish the relevant facts.
The 15-day deadline places the administration under pressure to complete the investigation promptly. The outcome will determine whether any further action is warranted under the applicable service rules.
