A disturbing video from Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district has gone viral, showing IAS officer and District Magistrate Sanjeev Srivastava repeatedly slapping a student during an exam inspection. The incident, which occurred on April 1 at Deendayal Dangraulia Mahavidyalaya, has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed debates over mass cheating in the Chambal region.
Incident Details: Viral Video Shows Altercation
The footage captures Srivastava pulling BSc second-year student Rohit Rathore from his seat and hitting him multiple times during a mathematics examination. The DM later took Rathore to a separate room, where he allegedly handed over the student’s answer sheet to college staff for further action.
DM Defends Actions, Claims Cheating Racket
Srivastava stated that authorities had received specific intelligence about organized cheating at the college. “The exam hall appeared normal, but one student didn’t have his question paper. Upon interrogation, he confessed to sending it outside for answers,” the officer claimed, justifying his actions as a necessary deterrent against malpractice. He added that a formal complaint has been filed with Jiwaji University against the institution, alleging systemic exam fraud.
Student Denies Cheating, Alleges Unjust Treatment
However, Rohit Rathore offered a conflicting account, telling media: “I left my question paper on the desk during a bathroom break. When I returned, it was missing, and another student had two copies. The DM slapped me twice in the hall and again outside. I needed medication afterward.” Rathore, now facing a supplementary exam, maintains his innocence.
Political Undertones Emerge
The controversy has taken a political turn, as the college is reportedly owned by Narayan Dangraulia, father-in-law of opposition leader Hemant Katare. The incident has reignited discussions on exam integrity, administrative conduct, and potential bias in the region, known for recurrent cheating scandals.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on further action, but the incident has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and student organizations.
