Lucknow district magistrate 'slaps' govt employees

The Lucknow district magistrate today allegedly slapped some striking government staff during inspection of various departments, evoking sharp reaction from employees union which demanded stern action against him.

The incident occurred at the agriculture directorate where district magistrate Amit Ghosh had gone along with some administration and police officers to check the presence of the employees following a strike call given by various unions.

Reacting sharply to the incident, the employees' union leaders have demanded stern action against the district magistrate and the deputy inspector general of Lucknow.

"We condemn the incident, and both the officers should be placed under suspension by the government. The employees will not buckle under pressure tactics of the administration," spokesman of the union, Ramakant Mishra, said.

The government staff decided to go on an indefinite strike from today to protest against lathi-charge on employees during a demonstration here yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Congress too has demanded suspension of the two officers.