Who is Ritu Punia? UP Government Transfers Pilibhit ADM to Waiting List

Pilibhit, UP: The Uttar Pradesh government has transferred ADM (Finance & Revenue) Ritu Punia from her post in Pilibhit and placed her on the waiting list. She has been attached to the Lucknow headquarters. The move comes after Punia registered a case on 7 November at Sadar Kotwali against Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organizational minister Prince Gaur, accusing him of defamation, extortion, and inciting attacks.

Following her complaint, the police arrested Prince Gaur on 8 November. The arrest triggered political tension, with VHP provincial leaders Rajesh and Dhanvendra Singh visiting Pilibhit to raise allegations against the administration. Amid the escalating situation, Gaur was shifted from jail to the district hospital citing health reasons, and serious charges against him were also removed. He was subsequently granted bail by the CJM court on 11 November.

VHP Allegations of Bias
The VHP and BJP leaders accused the administration of favoritism, creating pressure on ADM Ritu Punia’s role. Her handling of the case drew scrutiny, prompting the government to take action by transferring her to the waiting list.

Profile of Ritu Punia
Ritu Punia, a PCS officer of the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Revenue Service batch, is known for her decisive and strict administrative style. Before Pilibhit, she served as Additional Municipal Commissioner in Aligarh, where she implemented rapid reforms in municipal operations, earning both recognition and criticism from staff.

During her tenure, Punia had a notable confrontation with leaders of the municipal sanitation workers’ union over Railway Road issues, resulting in a compromise. She also served as ADM in Badaun.

Strict Administrative Actions
In early November, Punia conducted an inspection of the Mandi Committee in Pilibhit. She caught the center in-charge purchasing paddy through intermediaries and handed him over to the police. During this process, she discovered incriminating chat messages on his phone confirming irregular dealings with the middlemen, creating a stir in the mandi.

Ritu Punia’s reputation as a no-nonsense officer has made her tenure in Pilibhit highly visible and, at times, controversial.