In Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, a dispute between a Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP) Assistant Engineer (AEN) and a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA has escalated, with both sides making serious allegations.
Assistant Engineer Jaganlal Bairwa alleged that he was called to a meeting where he was assaulted and humiliated by the MLA and his supporters. He stated that he was slapped, verbally abused, and attacked with kicks, punches, and a pipe.
Bairwa said that two other officials present at the scene were also injured. He claimed to have sustained serious injuries, including difficulty seeing from one eye and a fractured toe.
Bairwa further alleged that after the incident, he was made to change into a new shirt before being presented to the police to conceal signs of assault. He also claimed that his mobile phone was taken away to prevent any recording of the incident.
He described the incident as an attempt to create administrative pressure and instill fear.
The Rajasthan Council of Diploma Engineers condemned the incident and warned of a statewide work boycott if justice is not delivered to the affected official. Representatives of the organisation termed the incident an attack on administrative independence and said such treatment of government employees is unacceptable.
The MLA’s side alleged that officials had first assaulted him during a public hearing. The MLA claimed he sustained injuries and that his spectacles were broken.
Based on the MLA’s complaint, police arrested three RUIDP officials. They were later released on bail.
After their release on bail, an emotional scene was observed as the AEN’s daughter embraced her father and broke down. The incident has been widely discussed on social media.
Police have registered cases based on complaints from both sides and initiated an investigation. Officials stated that all aspects of the incident are being examined, with further action to be determined based on CCTV footage and witness statements.
The incident has highlighted tensions between administrative officials and elected representatives. Experts stated that such incidents affect the image of governance and may send an adverse message to the public.
The matter remains under investigation, with further action pending.
