The slaps by a visibly agitated Ghosh in full view of the victim’s colleagues triggered demands from the Opposition Congress for suspending the officer and filing a case against him.

The incident occured at the Agriculture Directorate where Ghosh had gone along with some civil and police officers to check the presence of the employees following a strike call given by some trade unions.

The government staff had decided to go on an indefinite strike from Friday to protest against lathicharge on employees during a demonstration here on Thursday.

The employees union leaders have demanded stern action against Ghosh who has also been criticised along with DIG Lucknow Prem Prakash for use of force. “Both the officers should be placed under suspension by the government,” the union spokesman said.