SDM hurls abuses at villagers in Moradabad, video goes viral

MORADABAD: A sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has been accused of hurling abuses at villagers in Tewar Khas village, Moradabad. A video of the alleged incident went viral on social media on Sunday. A probe has been initiated into the matter.
The incident took place after a few villagers visited the SDM’s office demanding not to shut the local ration store after its licence was cancelled due to irregularities in ration distribution.In response, the SDM of Bilari constituency Ghanshyam Verma shouted abuses at the villagers, the locals alleged.
In the viral video, the SDM can be seen using abusive language against villagers. Nearly 100 people can be seen at the SDM’s residence. Ranpal Singh, husband of village head Babita Singh said, “Villagers were demanding that the ration shop should not be seized. Otherwise they will have to travel to a far off place to get ration on a daily basis. They only wanted to meet the SDM and submit a memorandum but he got furious and started abusing people.”
In his defence, the SDM said, “The authorities dismissed the ration distributor Mohammad Rizwan after he was caught giving less ration to people compared to what has been allocated. So he sent his supporters to my residence to hold a protest against his removal and seizure of the shop. They behaved badly but later they were sent home after submitting a memorandum. A case will be filed against Rizwan.”
DM Moradabad Shailandera Singh told TOI, “The CM’s office has taken cognizance of the matter and ordered a probe. Appropriate action will be taken after the investigation.”