A senior Indian Public Servant who is accused of telling police to “break the heads” of protesting farmers, has received the backing of his superior officer in the Haryana State Government.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Ayush Sinha (pictured) was caught on video allegedly instructing policemen to beat protesting farmers and not allow anyone to breach a cordon.
Mr Sinha, a Magistrate in the Karnal District, was heard on the video saying: “Just give them a beating.
“I’m the duty magistrate, there is no need for formal instructions, just beat them hard.
“If I see any demonstrator here, he should have a broken head. Any doubt?”
The policemen are heard saying: “No sir” in response to Mr Sinha’s instructions.
Mr Sinha later claimed the video had been doctored.
“Only a selected portion was made viral on social media platforms… only a selected portion of my briefing was leaked,” Mr Sinha said.
Deputy Commissioner, Nishant Kumar Yadav supported Mr Sinha.
“The video was altered and did not show the whole briefing,” Commissioner Yadav said.
“The whole State knows that Ayush is one of our finest officers,” he said.
The video has caused outrage on social media with Mr Sinha’s fellow bureaucrats condemning his behaviour; some saying he should face court and be sacked.
Retired IAS officer, Anil Swarup said Mr Sinha put the entire Public Service to shame.
“Such a statement could, perhaps should, be used for a criminal case against him,” Mr Swarup said.
Chandigarh, 31 August 2021
