Associated News Bureau

J&K Government Orders 15-Day Inquiry Into Alleged Misconduct by IAS Officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Mandeep Kaur Appointed Inquiry Officer, Amit Vermani to Present Government’s Case

Srinagar, October 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a formal inquiry into allegations of misconduct involving IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan and JKAS officer Beenish Wani, directing the designated inquiry officer to submit a report within 15 days. According to Government Order No. 1654-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on October 16, Mandeep Kaur, IAS (AGMUT: 2004), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, has been appointed as the inquiry officer to examine the allegations. The inquiry concerns Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, and Beenish Wani, Assistant Director, Employment, Ganderbal. The matter came to the government's notice following reports published in print and electronic media. The government has also appointed Amit Vermani, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government in the General Administration Department, as the presenting officer to represent the government's case during the proceedings. The development follows a controversy over a purported video of an exchange between Ranjan and Wani during a review meeting concerning Mission YUVA. The reported interaction was linked to discussions on the role of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and subsequently drew public attention. The incident triggered criticism over the IAS officer's alleged conduct, prompting the government to initiate a formal examination of the matter. The inquiry officer has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the allegations and submitting the findings within the stipulated 15-day period. Any further action will depend on the outcome of the inquiry and the subsequent decision of the government. ANB