KK Pathak is an Indian Civil Servant (IAS) from Bihar who gained notoriety for his abusive behavior towards the deputy collector and the Bihar Administrative Service Association (BASA) during a meeting. A video of him verbally abusing them went viral on social media on February 2, 2023.
Wiki/Biography
Keshav Kumar Pathak, popularly known as KK Pathak, was born on January 15, 1968 (age 55 years as of 2023) in Uttar Pradesh. He belongs to the Capricorn zodiac sign. Pathak holds a bachelor’s degree and an M.Phil in economics. He entered the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1990.
Physical Appearance
KK Pathak stands at an approximate height of 5’9″. He has a semi-bald hairstyle, black eyes, and a distinct signature.
Family
Parents & Siblings
Pathak’s father, Major G.S. Pathak, served as the Principal Secretary of the Minor Water Resources Department of Bihar. Further information about his siblings and other family members is not available.
Wife & Children
There is limited information regarding KK Pathak’s marital status and family. Details about his wife and children remain undisclosed.
Career
KK Pathak started his career as an IAS officer in 1990. Over the years, he held various positions within the Bihar government. In 2016, Pathak faced a transfer from the Excise and Prohibition Department after imposing a complete ban on alcohol in Bihar. He subsequently served as the Managing Director of the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and became the CEO of Bihar Foundation and Principal Secretary of the Department of Industries. In 2021, he was appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Excise and Prohibition Department in Bihar. Pathak also serves as the Director General of Bipard (Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development).
Controversies
KK Pathak has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including instances of violence, misuse of power, threats, and abusive behavior.
Violence towards a journalist: In 1990, while serving as the deputy commissioner of Giridh, Pathak physically assaulted a journalist for publishing a false report about him.
Accused of misusing his power: In 2018, Pathak faced accusations of misusing his authority and filing a false case against the State Bank of India (SBI). The Patna High Court imposed a fine of Rs. 1.75 lakhs on him in connection with the case.
Accused of threatening and beating: During his tenure as the Principal Secretary of the Minor Irrigation Department in 2019, Pathak was accused of threatening and physically assaulting Kumud Raj Singh, the director of Maa Shakuntala Infrastructure Pvt Ltd.
Abusing his own staff during a meeting: On February 2, 2023, a video surfaced on social media showing Pathak verbally abusing the deputy collector and BASA during a meeting. The incident caused public outrage, and an FIR was filed against him. The Bihar Administrative Service Association demanded his resignation, while the Prohibition, Excise, and Registration Minister, Sunil Kumar, called for strict action against him.
Facts/Trivia
Here are some lesser-known facts about KK Pathak:
1. Unbiased and honest behavior: Pathak is known for his impartiality and honest conduct. In 2005, while serving as the district magistrate of Gopalganj, he inaugurated a hospital building without waiting for a VIP guest. He asked a hospital sweeper to inaugurate the building instead. This act drew criticism from MP Sadhu Yadav, who was angered by the perceived misuse of funds.
2. Accessibility to the public: When KK Pathak assumed the position of Additional Chief Secretary of the Excise and Prohibition Department in Bihar in 2021, he made his mobile number public. This gesture aimed to enable people to contact him for assistance in cases related to liquor.
3. Criticism from Bihar Administrative Services Association (BASA): Sunil Tiwari, the General Secretary of BASA, condemned Pathak’s behavior and demanded swift action against him. Tiwari expressed concerns about Pathak’s mental state and accused him of mistreating officers during training sessions. He further urged Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Chief Secretary to take action against Pathak.
4. BJP’s demand for action: The Bihar BJP spokesperson also voiced their discontent with Pathak’s actions and called for strict measures to be taken against him. The spokesperson criticized the lack of control over the police-administration by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and claimed that unbridled bureaucracy and administrative red tape were causing disorder and behaving arbitrarily with the public.
These facts shed light on various aspects of KK Pathak’s career and controversies. Despite his accomplishments and alleged impartiality, his involvement in multiple controversies has brought negative attention to his tenure as a civil servant in Bihar. The public and authorities have demanded accountability and appropriate action regarding his conduct.