Firozabad IAS vs PCS Controversy: A fresh controversy has emerged from Firozabad after a Provincial Civil Services officer publicly accused the district magistrate of harassment and abuse of authority. The issue surfaced after a video and a press interaction by Rakhi Sharma, who is currently posted as tehsildar in Tundla.
In her emotional statement, Sharma levelled serious allegations against Ramesh Ranjan, claiming that she had been facing sustained pressure and harassment from the district administration. She said the situation had reached a point where she felt compelled to speak publicly.
According to Sharma, the dispute began after she filed a legal petition related to an administrative issue. She alleged that she was called to the camp office of the district magistrate and kept there for nearly two hours while being asked to withdraw the petition. Sharma claimed she refused to do so, following which the pressure on her allegedly increased.
The tehsildar said that after she did not comply, several actions were taken against her in the administrative system. She alleged that her salary was stopped and adverse remarks were entered into her service record. She also claimed that inquiries were initiated into the cases handled in her court, even before she could complete the official process of disposal.
While speaking to reporters, Sharma said there were several things she felt uncomfortable revealing publicly but added that the situation had crossed all limits. She said she had no option left but to raise the issue in front of the media.
Another serious claim made by Sharma involved alleged pressure from certain journalists. She alleged that some media persons were being used to circulate videos and create pressure on her. She named a few journalists and accused them of harassment, extortion and attempts to blackmail her.
Sharma said she had submitted a written complaint to the local police station in Tundla regarding the alleged harassment and extortion. However, she claimed that no action had been taken on her complaint so far. According to her, despite submitting the complaint weeks ago, the police had not registered an FIR.
During the press interaction, Sharma also made an emotional appeal to Yogi Adityanath. She said that as a female magistrate and PCS officer, she expected protection and fair treatment within the administrative framework of the state.
Addressing the chief minister indirectly, she said the state leadership was her last hope for justice. Sharma expressed concern that if such treatment could happen to a serving female officer, it raised serious questions about the working environment within the bureaucracy.
So far, there has been no detailed official response from the district administration in Firozabad regarding the allegations made by the tehsildar. Officials have also not confirmed whether any departmental inquiry has been initiated into the matter.
The incident has sparked discussion in administrative circles as public disputes between officers of the Indian Administrative Service and the Provincial Civil Services rarely come into the open in such a dramatic manner. Many observers believe that the truth of the matter will only become clear if a formal investigation is ordered and both sides present their evidence.
Also Read
Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav Clash in Lok Sabha Over Women’s Quota and Delimitation Bills
For now, the controversy continues to draw attention in Uttar Pradesh’s bureaucratic and political circles as people wait to see whether the state government will step in and order a probe into the allegations.