Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNS): The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of a viral video allegedly showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan verbally abusing, humiliating and threatening a woman officer during an official review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Commission said the video allegedly showed Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, misbehaving with Beenish Wani, JKAS, Assistant Director, Employment, during the meeting.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, seeking verification of the video and an impartial inquiry into the allegations.

The Commission has also sought appropriate disciplinary and legal action if the allegations are established.

An Action Taken Report (ATR) has been sought from the administration within seven days.

The NCW has further called for safeguards against workplace harassment, victimisation and professional retaliation, besides ensuring protection and support for the woman officer.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

"Every woman officer is entitled to a safe, respectful and dignified workplace. Abuse of authority and workplace humiliation must be addressed with utmost seriousness," the Commission said.

The development comes amid controversy over a video from a Mission YUVA review meeting held on October 14.

Earlier on Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir Government appointed senior IAS officer Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the allegations against Ranjan.

The government has directed the inquiry officer to submit her report within 15 days.

The allegations are yet to be established through the inquiry. (KNS)