A video showing an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer slapping a student during an exam in Madhya Pradesh has sparked widespread outrage and debate. The incident, which occurred on April 1, 2023, but recently went viral, involves Sanjeev Srivastava, the district magistrate of Bhind, and a student named Rohit Rathore. The video shows Srivastava confronting Rathore during a BSc Mathematics exam at Deendayal Dangraulia Mahavidyalaya. Srivastava is seen grabbing Rathore, dragging him out of his chair, and repeatedly slapping him. He then escorts the student to what appears to be a staff room, where he continues to question and slap him.

Rathore alleged that the beating affected his ear and stated that he did not retaliate due to Srivastava's position as an IAS officer. The video shows Srivastava holding a paper in his hand while confronting the student. After escorting Rathore to the staff room, Srivastava hands the paper over to another man while pointing at the student. He then turns to Rathore, asking, "Where is your paper?" while slapping him twice.

Srivastava has defended his actions, claiming he was responding to complaints of widespread cheating at the college. He alleged that students were smuggling in solved papers and suggested that the college should no longer be used as an examination center. However, his explanation has done little to quell the criticism, with many condemning his use of physical force against a student.

This is not the first time Srivastava has faced controversy. Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court questioned his conduct related to the Public Works Department, and recently, another official accused him of harassment. These past incidents have further intensified the scrutiny of his behavior following the emergence of the video.

The incident has drawn strong reactions on social media, with many users expressing anger and demanding action against the IAS officer. Some have called for his suspension, while others have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. The incident has also reignited the debate about the power dynamics between government officials and ordinary citizens, as well as the appropriateness of using physical force in disciplinary matters.

Notably, a similar incident occurred in 2011 when another IAS officer, Sujata Dass, slapped a child for allegedly scratching her car. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) took cognizance of the matter and registered a case against her.

The current case involving Sanjeev Srivastava raises serious questions about the conduct of public officials and the need for accountability. As the video continues to circulate, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against the IAS officer and what impact this incident will have on the broader conversation about ethics and responsibility in public service.