IAS Officer Slaps Youth at Narmada Ghat in Narsinghpur, Video Sparks Outrage

A controversy has erupted at the sacred Barman Ghat on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh after a senior IAS officer was caught on camera slapping a youth during a cleanliness inspection, triggering widespread criticism and demands for an impartial investigation.

The incident involves Gajendra Singh Nagesh, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of the Narsinghpur District Panchayat. A video of the episode has gone viral on social media, raising serious questions about administrative conduct and the use of authority in public spaces.

Incident During Cleanliness Inspection

According to reports, the CEO was inspecting Barman Ghat following complaints of poor sanitation and disorder. During the visit, an argument broke out between the officer and a local youth over alleged violation of cleanliness norms. Eyewitnesses claim that instead of taking routine administrative action, the officer slapped the youth on the spot, ordered the removal of his shop, and warned him not to be seen again in the ghat area.

The video footage of the incident has intensified public anger, with many questioning whether physical punishment by a senior civil servant is justified under any circumstances.

Priest Alleges Abuse and Public Humiliation

The controversy deepened after senior ghat priest Kailash Chandra Mishra accused the officer of misbehaving with him as well. The priest alleged that when he pointed out the lack of public toilets and basic amenities at the ghat, the officer responded with abusive language and threats.

According to Mishra, he was publicly humiliated and forced to sit in a punitive posture, an act that, he said, deeply hurt his religious dignity. The allegations have led to resentment among religious and social groups.

Social Organisations Protest, Demand Action

Following the incident, the Brahmin Sabha and several social organisations submitted a memorandum to the district administration, demanding a fair and independent inquiry into the allegations of assault, abuse, and misuse of authority.

Organisation leaders warned that if strict action is not taken, they will launch protests. They stressed that while maintaining cleanliness at religious sites is essential, indecent behaviour with citizens and priests is unacceptable.

Officer Defends His Actions

Responding to the controversy, CEO Gajendra Singh Nagesh said he is a devotee of the Narmada and considers the cleanliness of the riverbanks a matter of faith. He stated that a public-driven cleanliness campaign is currently underway and that strict action against those spreading filth is necessary.

“This is not a government programme but a people’s movement. Everyone has a moral duty to keep the Narmada ghats clean and sacred,” the officer said, adding that negligence and pollution at the riverbank will not be tolerated.

Calls for Impartial Investigation Grow

Despite the clarification, the viral video and serious allegations have intensified calls for accountability. Civil society members and local residents are demanding an unbiased investigation to determine whether the officer’s conduct adhered to administrative rules and constitutional limits.

The incident has reignited a broader debate on bureaucratic accountability, proportional use of authority, and respectful engagement with citizens, especially at religious and public places.