New Delhi: A disturbing video from Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district has gone viral, showing an IAS officer, Sanjeev Srivastava, repeatedly slapping a student during a college examination. The incident, which occurred on April 1, came to public attention after the video surfaced on social media more than three months later, triggering widespread outrage and reigniting scrutiny of the officer’s controversial career.
Here’s What Happened
The footage, shot inside Deendayal Dangraulia Mahavidyalaya in Bhind, shows Srivastava, who serves as the district magistrate (DM), confronting a BSc second-year student, Rohit Rathore, during a mathematics exam. In the video, Srivastava is seen dragging Rathore from his chair, holding what appeared to be a solved answer sheet, and slapping him multiple times in front of other students.
Another clip shows Srivastava taking the student to a staff room, handing over the paper to an official, and demanding Rathore’s original answer sheet. The officer slapped him twice more, even as the visibly shaken student struggled to respond.
Watch the video here:
In BJP ruled #MadhyaPradesh an IAS officer slaps a student repeatedly during examination.
BJP leaders & their officers are the biggest bullies in the states they rule. Its licensed goonda raj under BJP. pic.twitter.com/PaNttcIxaV— SDutta (@KhelaHobePart2) July 13, 2025
The IAS Officer’s Defence
Facing public criticism, Srivastava defended his conduct, claiming he was acting against organised cheating in the exam centre. He alleged that students had smuggled question papers outside, got them solved, and returned with answer sheets, reported the NDTV.
“I went there to investigate an organised cheating racket. I have also written to the university recommending the college not be used as an examination centre in the future,” Srivastava stated.
However, the justification did little to stem the public backlash, with many questioning whether physical assault — especially by a high-ranking officer — could ever be condoned in a lawful society.
Student Speaks Out
Rohit Rathore, the student at the centre of the controversy, said the slaps had physically affected him. “Because he is an IAS officer, I couldn’t say anything,” he reportedly told local media. The incident has once again raised concerns about the unchecked power of administrative officials and the lack of accountability mechanisms on ground.
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time Sanjeev Srivastava has faced public scrutiny. The Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently criticised him during a hearing related to the Public Works Department (PWD). The court questioned whether such an officer should continue in a field posting, directing the state’s Chief Secretary to take a call on his continuance.
Adding to the controversy, Tehsildar Mala Sharma, currently posted in Bhind, accused Collector Srivastava and SDM Parag Jain of mental harassment. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, she expressed fears for her safety, stating:
“If anything happens to me due to this torture, the responsibility will lie with Collector Sanjeev Srivastava and Gohad SDM Parag Jain.”
Political Undercurrents
The incident has also exposed political fault lines. The examination centre where the incident occurred is reportedly owned by Narayan Dangraulia, the father-in-law of Congress MLA and deputy leader of opposition Hemant Katare. This connection has fueled speculation about deeper political rivalries playing out through administrative actions.
Public Reaction
As the video continues to circulate on social media, calls for action against Srivastava are growing louder. Legal experts, activists, and opposition leaders have demanded an impartial inquiry and immediate administrative action.
