CM Abdullah demands action against IAS officer
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah strongly criticised the language allegedly used during the exchange and called for action against Ranjan.
"The language he used was very wrong. He should be reprimanded," CM Abdullah said, adding that the officer's behaviour was unbecoming of someone holding a senior administrative position.
He said government officers were expected to listen to people and help address their difficulties rather than use insulting language.
CM Abdullah also said he felt ashamed after watching the video on social media. He linked the incident to broader concerns about the administration in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019.
Mehbooba Mufti, PDP and BJP condemn alleged conduct
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also criticised the alleged conduct and called for strict action.
In a post on X, she said, "Such erratic and disdainful conduct cannot be tolerated." She urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with the Government of India.
PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan described the alleged treatment of Wani as disgraceful and condemned the behaviour shown in the video. He called for the officer's transfer and welcomed the inquiry while expressing concern about whether the investigation would be impartial.
BJP chief spokesperson Altaf Thakur also condemned the alleged use of disrespectful and unparliamentary language by a senior government officer.
Thakur said such behaviour was unacceptable and called for a probe into the incident. He also questioned how footage from an official government meeting had reached social media, arguing that this aspect should be examined as well.
NCW seeks action
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought an action taken report from the Chief Secretary within seven days.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar called for verification of the video and an impartial inquiry. She said appropriate disciplinary and legal action should follow if the allegations were established.
The commission also stressed that Wani must be protected against workplace harassment, victimisation and professional retaliation.
National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also expressed concern over the incident. In a statement shared through his office, he said the episode appeared to show a senior officer threatening a woman's career after she sought an opportunity to complete her explanation.
Mehdi urged the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Secretary to respond to the allegations and ensure that Wani was not victimised for standing up for her dignity.
The Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) has also condemned the alleged behaviour and called for an impartial inquiry.
Labour Department says viral clips do not show full context
Amid the growing controversy, the Labour and Employment Department said the video clips circulating on social media did not present the complete context of the meeting.
The department reiterated that discipline and professional decorum were essential during official interactions. It said the matter would be addressed under the applicable rules and regulations.
The inquiry will now examine the allegations against Ranjan, while the JKAS Association has demanded safeguards for Wani and protection against possible retaliation. The findings of the inquiry are expected within 15 days of the order's issuance.
CM Abdullah demands action against IAS officer
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah strongly criticised the language allegedly used during the exchange and called for action against Ranjan.
"The language he used was very wrong. He should be reprimanded," CM Abdullah said, adding that the officer's behaviour was unbecoming of someone holding a senior administrative position.
He said government officers were expected to listen to people and help address their difficulties rather than use insulting language.
CM Abdullah also said he felt ashamed after watching the video on social media. He linked the incident to broader concerns about the administration in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019.
Mehbooba Mufti, PDP and BJP condemn alleged conduct
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also criticised the alleged conduct and called for strict action.
In a post on X, she said, "Such erratic and disdainful conduct cannot be tolerated." She urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with the Government of India.
PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan described the alleged treatment of Wani as disgraceful and condemned the behaviour shown in the video. He called for the officer's transfer and welcomed the inquiry while expressing concern about whether the investigation would be impartial.
BJP chief spokesperson Altaf Thakur also condemned the alleged use of disrespectful and unparliamentary language by a senior government officer.
Thakur said such behaviour was unacceptable and called for a probe into the incident. He also questioned how footage from an official government meeting had reached social media, arguing that this aspect should be examined as well.
NCW seeks action
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought an action taken report from the Chief Secretary within seven days.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar called for verification of the video and an impartial inquiry. She said appropriate disciplinary and legal action should follow if the allegations were established.
The commission also stressed that Wani must be protected against workplace harassment, victimisation and professional retaliation.
National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also expressed concern over the incident. In a statement shared through his office, he said the episode appeared to show a senior officer threatening a woman's career after she sought an opportunity to complete her explanation.
Mehdi urged the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Secretary to respond to the allegations and ensure that Wani was not victimised for standing up for her dignity.
The Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) has also condemned the alleged behaviour and called for an impartial inquiry.
Labour Department says viral clips do not show full context
Amid the growing controversy, the Labour and Employment Department said the video clips circulating on social media did not present the complete context of the meeting.
The department reiterated that discipline and professional decorum were essential during official interactions. It said the matter would be addressed under the applicable rules and regulations.
The inquiry will now examine the allegations against Ranjan, while the JKAS Association has demanded safeguards for Wani and protection against possible retaliation. The findings of the inquiry are expected within 15 days of the order's issuance.