Tension erupted in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, after serious allegations surfaced against BJP MLA Umesh Sharma Kau for allegedly assaulting Education Department Director Ajay Kumar Nautiyal inside the Education Directorate premises, reported ABP news. The incident reportedly triggered chaos within the office complex, leaving officials and staff members shaken. Speaking with ANI, Nautiyal said, "Director of Primary Education Ajay Kumar Naudiyal says, "The reasons (for assault) are better known by him. They had come to the office over the renaming of a school. We told them that the name can be changed only once the orders come from the state govt level. That was it...MLA Kau (Umesh Sharma Kau) was there along with 20-25 others...Others in the office also sustained injuries. They had entered the office while verbally abusing us..."
According to an ABP News report, a disagreement over an issue escalated rapidly into a heated confrontation. What began as a verbal exchange is said to have turned violent, resulting in injuries to the senior officer and sparking widespread concern across the administrative establishment.
ABP News, citing sources, reported the confrontation intensified during discussions between the MLA and departmental officials, leading to an alleged physical altercation. Ajay Kumar Nautiyal reportedly sustained injuries during the scuffle and was immediately shifted to the Government District Hospital in Dehradun for medical attention. Doctors are currently monitoring his condition. The sudden outbreak of violence inside a government office has raised serious questions about security arrangements and protocol within administrative institutions. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as staff members rushed to respond while trying to understand the gravity of the unfolding situation.
As news of the alleged assault spread, anger among employees grew rapidly, bringing routine work at the Directorate to a halt. Several staff members reportedly surrounded the MLA inside the office premises and confined him to a room in protest. The tense situation, however, did not remain contained for long. Supporters of the legislator are said to have reached the spot shortly afterward and forced open the door, escorting him out of the building. The incident further escalated tensions, creating a charged atmosphere and heightening anxiety among employees present at the site.
In response to the episode, employees of the Education Department strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on the dignity and safety of government officials. They expressed concern that if senior officers could be targeted within their own offices, the sense of security among ordinary staff members would be severely undermined. Citing these concerns, employees announced a strike to protest the alleged assault. The decision is expected to disrupt departmental functioning and may impact administrative and educational activities until further notice.
The incident has also triggered sharp political reactions across Uttarakhand. Opposition leaders have criticized the alleged assault, calling it an example of power misuse and demanding a fair and independent investigation. They urged authorities to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law. Meanwhile, no detailed official statement has been issued by the MLA regarding the allegations. Administrative sources confirmed that senior officials have been informed and that a comprehensive inquiry has been initiated. Police are collecting evidence to determine the sequence of events and establish responsibility in the matter.