In J&K, two bureaucrats, different paths — one viral controversy

In Jammu and Kashmir, two bureaucrats with differing career paths found themselves embroiled in controversy. Rajeev Ranjan Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is under scrutiny for his remarks to Beenish Wani, a junior KAS officer. This latest incident adds to a long list of controversies surrounding Ranjan, including a 2010 case of illegal gun license issuance that led to his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2018.

Ranjan, 49, hails from Bihar and has held several high-profile positions, including district magistrate and Special Secretary in the Revenue Department. The CBI case against him, which alleges the issuance of over 2.74 lakh gun licenses for monetary considerations, has led to his suspension and subsequent reinstatement. Meanwhile, Beenish Wani, a 42-year-old KAS officer from Srinagar, is described as cooperative, punctual, and hardworking. The two civil servants, both working in the labour department, could not be reached for comment.