Viral Fury: Uttarakhand Education Director Caught on Camera Snatching Female Journalist's Phone During Heated Protest

A shocking confrontation at the Directorate of Primary Education in Dehradun has ignited widespread outrage after a 58-second video surfaced showing Ajay Kumar Naudiyal, the state's Director of Elementary Education, allegedly raising his hand toward a female journalist and snatching her mobile phone. The incident, which unfolded amid protests over primary teacher recruitment, has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from journalists, activists, and the public who are demanding immediate accountability from the government.

The altercation occurred on November 6, 2025, when approximately 250-300 parents and Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) trainees from the 2021-22 batch stormed Naudiyal's office without prior notice. Their grievances centered on the recent announcement of 1,649 primary teacher vacancies by Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat on November 2, 2025. The protesters, fearing exclusion from the district-wise recruitment drive due to pending exams in November-December, disrupted office proceedings and began recording videos despite requests to stop.

Eyewitness accounts and the viral footage describe a tense escalation. Sima Rawat, managing director of a local news portal and the targeted journalist, was filming the standoff when Naudiyal, appearing visibly agitated, approached her, pointed his finger accusingly, and abruptly seized her phone. In a bid to reclaim her device, Rawat grabbed Naudiyal's waistcoat and repeatedly shouted, "Hum press se hain!" (We are from the press!). Undeterred, Naudiyal retorted, "Kahi se bhi ho" (From wherever you are), before handing the phone to his staff and attempting to snatch another recorder's device nearby.

Rawat, undaunted, urged bystanders to "Video banao, video banao!" (Make a video, make a video!) as chaos ensued. Fellow journalists erupted in protest, creating a massive uproar that forced Naudiyal's staff to intervene, shielding him from the crowd and eventually returning the phone. Shiv Prasad, coordinator of the Rashtrawadi Regional Party who was present, confronted Naudiyal sharply, exclaiming, "Maine pehle hi kaha tha ki BP high mat karo, haath uthao ge kya? Director ho ya badtameez?" (I had already said don’t raise your blood pressure, will you raise your hand? Are you a director or rude?). Naudiyal shot back, "Tum ho badtameez" (You are rude), before being escorted inside.

In a subsequent statement to media, Rawat detailed the ordeal: "Mere saath haathapayi bhi hui" (There was also a scuffle with me). She alleged that Naudiyal not only snatched her phone but threw it to the ground, emphasizing the incident as a clear case of misconduct toward a working journalist.

The video, first shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), has amassed thousands of views and shares, amplifying calls for justice. One prominent post from @NCMIndiaa captured the moment with over 2,400 likes, stating: "Ajay Naudiyal... snatched the phone of a female reporter and after that his staff faced a tough time to protect him from the wrath of the Nari Shakti." Another from @priyarajputlive decried, "Uttarakhand: Mahila patrakar se jhappata mar mobile chhin liya" (Uttarakhand: A female journalist was slapped and her mobile snatched). Social media reactions have been scathing, with users questioning governmental accountability: "When this government employee can behave like this with a journalist, then how does he behave with others? And then they say that these are the servants of the public." Demands for Naudiyal's suspension echo loudly, with one commenter noting, "The government should take strict action against officials who engage in such misconduct with journalists who reveal the truth."

Press organizations across Uttarakhand have condemned the act as an assault on media freedom, particularly against women journalists, and urged swift intervention. The incident has also spotlighted broader concerns over the recruitment process, with protesters alleging undue pressure to halt the drive.

In response, Naudiyal penned a letter to the Uttarakhand Director General of School Education, portraying the protesters as disruptive intruders who "pressured staff to stop the recruitment." He claimed the group entered without permission and ignored directives against filming. The matter has escalated to Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, who has ordered a detailed probe and sought a comprehensive report. Officials from the Chief Minister's Office confirmed that, given the gravity, "a decision would be taken soon." As of January 5, 2026, no further updates on disciplinary actions have been disclosed, leaving the public in anticipation.