India, July 30 -- MEERUT A video purportedly showing IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi doing sit-ups while holding his ears amid a protest by lawyers in Shahjahanpur went viral on Tuesday, sparking widespread discussion in administrative and legal circles.

The incident reportedly took place during the 2022-batch IAS officer's inspection tour after his recent appointment as sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Puwaiyan tehsil. During inspection of tehsil premises, he reportedly spotted a clerk (munshi) urinating in the open. Offended by the act, the officer allegedly reprimanded the clerk and made him do sit-ups, triggering opposition from lawyers.

The episode sparked a backlash from lawyers who were already protesting over other issues. They s...