The video, circulated on social media after the meeting, shows Ranjan, the administrative secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, hurling the phrase "You are bloody shit" at Wani when she explained the role of NRLM in her department. The clip ends with Ranjan ordering officials to draft a suspension notice for Wani, who calmly replies that she can be suspended if she wishes.
The Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) fraternity slammed the remarks as "unacceptable and unprofessional", demanding a full, impartial inquiry and the dismissal of Ranjan on the grounds of harassment. Its spokesperson called for a public apology and disciplinary proceedings, warning that failure to act could force a pen‑down strike.
Political leaders joined the outcry. Iltija Mufti, a senior PDP figure, posted on X that Ranjan's "god complex" must not be tolerated. MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi echoed that Wani should not face retaliation, linking the incident to the broader post‑Article‑370 administrative reforms and urging the lieutenant governor to intervene.
The Labour and Employment Department denied the footage was authentic, claiming it was selectively edited. It said a complete recording exists at the National Informatics Centre and that the clip was taken out of context. A senior official said the department would provide the full audio‑visual file to an independent technical panel.
Ranjan, a 2010‑batch IAS officer, has a history of scrutiny. The Central Bureau of Investigation is already probing alleged irregularities in arms licence issuance during 2012‑2016 and a 2025 case of disproportionate assets. The current controversy adds a fresh layer of disciplinary pressure.
The government is expected to convene a committee by 20 October to review the video and recommend action. JKAS members have warned that, if no transparent inquiry is conducted, a strike could be called in the coming weeks.