IAS Officer Threatening, Harassing Me: Punjab PCS Writes to Chief Secretary

​Chandigarh, March 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

In a move that has sent ripples through the Punjab administrative circles, Babandeep Singh Walia, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Baghapurana, has filed a formal complaint against the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Moga, Sagar Setia, IAS. The letter, addressed to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, alleges a campaign of “extreme harassment, mental agony, and torture” following a stalled local election.​

​The two-page letter is now in the public domain, but neither of the officers has come forward to confirm the development and the veracity of the letter. 

The Catalyst: Panchayat Samiti Elections

​The friction reportedly stems from the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson elections of the Baghapurana Panchayat Samiti scheduled for March 17, 2026. According to the SDM, the election process could not be completed due to a “serious law and order situation” at the venue. Despite reporting the safety concerns to DC Sagar Setia, Walia claims he has since been subjected to relentless pressure.

Allegations of Intimidation

The SDM, in his letter, has detailed the allegations.

• Incessant Communication: Frequent phone calls at “odd night hours” and during sanctioned leave.
• Threats to Safety: Walia alleges he has received “threatening communications” involving his personal safety and life, as well as threats of disciplinary backlash, inquiries, and FIRs through “vigilance channels.”
• “The situation has reached such an extent that distressing thoughts regarding my own safety and the fate of my family and child have repeatedly crossed my mind,: the SDM stated in his representation.

Demands for Action

Seeking protection from what he describes as “extraneous considerations” and “misuse of authority,” the SDM has requested the following from the Chief Secretary:

1. A fair and impartial inquiry into the conduct of the concerned officers.
2. Immediate intervention to stop the alleged harassment and provide security for his life.
3. Transfer out of Moga to ensure a fair working environment.
4. One month’s leave to recover from the “extreme mental stress and trauma.”

Copies of the letter have also been marked to the Principal Secretary to the Honorable Chief Minister of Punjab. As of now, the Deputy Commissioner’s office has not issued a formal rebuttal to these allegations.