Rajasthan SDM Suspended After Viral Video Shows Altercation with CNG Pump Staff

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

Jaipur:

The Rajasthan government has suspended a state civil service officer who allegedly slapped a CNG pump employee in Bhilwara following a confrontation that was captured on video and subsequently went viral across social media platforms, officials confirmed.

On Thursday night, the Department of Personnel issued an order suspending Chhotu Lal Sharma, who had been serving as sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Pratapgarh, citing administrative reasons for the action.

According to the suspension order, Sharma will be attached to the Secretariat, Personnel Department, in Jaipur during his suspension period.

The disciplinary action was taken after an incident on Wednesday where Sharma and a CNG pump worker were recorded on camera slapping each other during a dispute regarding the refueling of Sharma's vehicle.

The CCTV footage showed the SDM engaged in an argument with employees who allegedly declined to refuel his vehicle before serving another customer.

Police have arrested three staff members from the petrol pump – identified as Deepak Mali, Prabhu Lal Kumawat, and Raja Sharma – in connection with the incident. Officials stated that further investigation into the matter is currently underway.