What is the complete matter?
A video of a heated argument that turned into a physical assault has gone viral, showing a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) slapping a petrol pump employee — prompting another staffer to retaliate by slapping the officer back. The video has been widely shared on social media, leading to police action and the arrest of three petrol pump employees.
According to reports, the incident began when SDM Chhotu Lal Sharma, posted in Pratapgarh, arrived at a petrol pump along with his wife, Deepika Vyas.
In her complaint, Deepika Vyas stated that one of the petrol pump employees winked at her and made a derogatory comment, which led her husband — the SDM — to intervene. The argument soon escalated into a physical altercation. Police are currently investigating the matter, and three employees have been arrested. Video evidence and witness statements are being examined. This is not the first time the SDM has been embroiled in controversy — he has faced similar allegations during his previous tenure.
Viral footage
In the viral footage, the SDM can be seen getting out of his car and shouting, “I am the SDM here,” before slapping an attendant for missing his car and filling another customer’s vehicle instead. He also slapped another attendant who tried to intervene.
The situation escalated further when the SDM’s wife joined the altercation and was seen shouting at the workers. Both were heard using abusive language in the video.
After the video went viral, the SDM and his wife filed a complaint alleging that the petrol pump employees misbehaved with her while refueling their car during Diwali in Bhilwara. However, the CCTV footage reportedly does not support their claim, as it shows no misbehavior by the pump staff.
