Incidents of altercations between bureaucrats and the general public has become a common occurrence in the country and a similar incident took place in Madhya Pradesh when a collector lost his calm and questioned the “aukat” (status) of a driver.
The incident took place on Tuesday when the representatives of a drivers’ union met district collector of Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur, Kishor Kanyal when he lost his cool, the video of which surfaced on social media.
In the video clip, the collector could be heard asking drivers not to take the law into their own hands when a representative of divers asked him to talk nicely.
At this, the district collector flew off his handle and asked the concerned person, “Kya Karoge Tum, Kya Aukat Hai Tumhari?" (what will you do, what is your social standing). The man replied saying they are fighting this battle for the very reason that they don't have any "aukat" (social standing).
The man was then whisked away from the spot by a policeman, reported PTI.
Later, Kanyal expressed his regret over the use of the word and posted a video clarifying his position, said the news agency.
As per the PTI report, a meeting of about 250 truck and bus drivers was convened on Tuesday, a day after many of them created a ruckus and staged protests, said the collector.
"The meeting was held to tell them to raise their issues democratically but one of them was trying to incite others and threatening to intensify the stir, because of which I used these words. I express regret if anyone is hurt by my words," he said.
However, he said that no one will be allowed to take the law in his hand.
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Reacting to the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav denounced the language used by the collector and hoped that the new officials will not use such sort of language.
"The language used during the district administration meeting in Shajapur, is not at all appropriate," said the CM.
"No official can use this type of language. Our government will not tolerate this... I hope the new officials who will come will not use this type of language," he added.