Rajasthan SDM and Fuel Pump Staff Caught on Camera in Physical Altercation Over Queue Priority

Screenshot from the video of SDM slapping the fuel pump staff.

Three petrol pump employees have been arrested in Rajasthan's Bhilwara following a CCTV-captured physical confrontation with a Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) officer, police officials confirmed. The altercation occurred on Tuesday when Chhotu Lal Sharma, the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Pratapgarh, engaged in a heated dispute with staff at a CNG and petrol station in Jaswantpura area, reportedly regarding queue priority.

According to police reports, Sharma demanded his vehicle be refueled ahead of others, claiming earlier arrival. When a staff member attempted to intervene, the SDM allegedly slapped him, prompting the employee to respond with a retaliatory slap.

Watch the viral video:

He's Chhotu Lal Sharma, SDM, Pratapgarh, Rajasthan. When the petrol pump employees didn't serve him first, he politely reminded them with, "Oye! SDM hoon main yahan ka. Tereko dikh nahi raha gaadi lagi hai." The arrogant staff, instead of paying due respect with a salute, argued...

Police have confirmed the arrest of three employees - Deepak Mali, Prabhu Lal Kumawat, and Raja Sharma. The confrontation footage showing the exchange of slaps circulated widely across social media platforms on Wednesday.

Shortly after the video gained traction, social media users began sharing screenshots of what they claim is a police complaint filed by Sharma's wife, Deepika Vyas. According to these complaint screenshots, Vyas alleged harassment and inappropriate conduct by the petrol pump staff. She claimed an employee winked at her and made an obscene comment, which purportedly triggered the confrontation.

The viral incident and subsequent allegations sparked extensive online discussion. One post on X satirically commented on the situation: "When the petrol pump employees didn't serve him first, he politely reminded them, 'Oye! SDM hoon main.' The arrogant staff argued back, so the SDM respectfully slapped them."

The sarcastic commentary further noted, "When the video went viral, the SDM's wife said the staff winked at her - there's no CCTV proof, but she's the SDM's wife, so it must be true."

Police authorities have stated that investigations into both the physical altercation and harassment complaint are currently ongoing.