TV
In an unexpected twist, IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi was transferred merely 36 hours after taking charge as SDM of Powayan tehsil in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district.
On his very first working day, July 29, 2025, Rahi performed sit-ups while holding his ears in front of protesting lawyers, an unusual gesture meant as an apology for the poor hygiene conditions at the tehsil premises. The act quickly went viral, generating a flurry of reactions online, some calling it a sign of humility, others questioning its appropriateness.
However, the fallout was swift. Within hours, Rahi was removed from his post and reassigned to the Revenue Board in Lucknow. Reports suggest the transfer was linked to the public display, which authorities deemed unbecoming of an administrative officer.
But this is just the latest chapter in Rahi’s extraordinary life. Back in 2008, while serving as a Social Welfare Officer in Muzaffarnagar, he unearthed a massive Rs 83-crore scam involving fraudulent scholarship disbursements. His honesty came at a terrible price; he was shot seven times by assailants allegedly working under the protection of corrupt officials.
Rahi survived, but with severe consequences: he lost vision in one eye, suffered facial injuries, and was officially declared physically handicapped. Despite the trauma, he pressed on, choosing to serve with integrity and later studying for the UPSC Civil Services Exam while continuing his duties.
After multiple attempts, his perseverance paid off in 2021, when he cracked the exam on his 16th attempt, securing All India Rank 683.
Rahi’s journey is one of resilience, accountability, and moral strength. From exposing systemic corruption to owning institutional failures, he stands as a rare example of honest governance. For thousands of UPSC aspirants, his life offers not just motivation, but a roadmap for serving with courage and conscience.
