By | Arvind Jadhav
Lukhnow: The Uttar Pradesh government has transferred IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi to the Revenue Board in Lucknow following a controversy surrounding a viral video of him holding his ear and shouting while apologizing to protesting lawyers in Shahjahanpur. Rahi, who was posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Shahjahanpur, was involved in the incident on his very first day of duty. The controversy arose after Rahi had asked a clerk to do sit-ups as a lesson in discipline and hygiene for urinating against a wall in the tehsil premises, which led to protests from lawyers. The lawyers felt that the punishment was humiliating and demanded that Rahi take responsibility for his actions.
The state government took serious note of the incident, considering it a violation of the All India Services Conduct Rules. A senior government officer stated that Rahi’s actions were unbecoming of an officer and not in accordance with his post. The transfer decision was made after seeking a detailed report from the District Magistrate. This swift action by the government indicates the seriousness with which it views the conduct of its officers and the importance of maintaining public trust in the administration.
Rinku Singh Rahi has a notable background, having exposed an Rs 83 crore scam in 2009, which led to him being shot six times by attackers, resulting in injuries and blindness in one eye. Despite this, he cleared the UPSC exam in 2021 under the disability quota and joined the IAS in 2022. His actions have sparked a debate on administrative accountability and the role of officers in maintaining public dignity. While some may view Rahi’s actions as a misguided attempt at discipline, others may see it as a reflection of the challenges faced by administrators in maintaining order and discipline in public offices.
