A recent video capturing a contentious interaction between Pratapgarh Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chhotu Lal Sharma and staff at a petrol pump has become a major talking point on social media. The footage, recorded on a CCTV camera, appears to show SDM Sharma striking a petrol pump employee following an argument over who should be served first.
Reports suggest the altercation escalated when the employee allegedly attended to another vehicle before the SDM’s car. In the aftermath, a woman identifying herself as Sharma’s wife filed a complaint, resulting in the arrest of three petrol pump employees, who were later released on bail.
The SDM’s wife, Deepika Vyas, has come forward with her account of the events. She stated that the family was on their way to their ancestral village for Diwali celebrations when they stopped at the petrol pump. Vyas claims that while her family was in the car, some petrol pump employees engaged in inappropriate behavior, making lewd gestures. She further alleged that her vehicle was deliberately made to wait, and the employee began servicing another car without consulting her family.
When her husband approached the staff to inquire about the delay, the dispute ensued, as seen in the video. Sharma can be heard in the clip asserting his position, stating, “I am the SDM here, don’t you know my vehicle is parked here?” The video also shows Sharma slapping the employee twice, and an attempt by another staff member to intervene led to Sharma also slapping the mediating employee.
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, some reports have raised questions about the nature of the relationship between Sharma and Vyas, suggesting she may not be his legally wedded wife. Citing an India Today report, it’s claimed that Sharma is married to Poonam Sharma, who is reportedly living separately with their children after he allegedly forced them out of their home. The reports also mention that Sharma has been removed from his post on three previous occasions during his career.