The start of 2026 has brought a new wave of social media scrutiny for one of India’s most famous civil servants. IAS officer Tina Dabi, who currently serves as the District Magistrate of Barmer in Rajasthan, has found herself at the center of a viral controversy following the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026. A short video clip from the official flag hoisting ceremony has sparked intense debate online, with critics questioning the officer’s adherence to protocol during the national anthem and the saluting of the tricolour.

The Moment Of Confusion In Barmer

The incident occurred during the official Republic Day function held at the Barmer district collectorate. As per the standard tradition, the District Collector unfurls the national flag followed by a salute while the national anthem plays. In the viral footage, Tina Dabi appears momentarily disoriented regarding the direction she should face while offering the salute.

For a few brief seconds, the 2015 UPSC topper is seen looking toward the camera and turning in the wrong direction rather than facing the unfurled flag directly. A security official standing behind her is seen subtly gesturing to guide her toward the correct position. While she corrected her stance almost immediately, the few seconds of confusion were captured on camera and quickly made their way to platforms like X and Instagram.

Social Media Criticism And The Reel Star Narrative

The reaction on social media has been swift and divided. Critics have seized the moment to revive the “Reel Star” label that has followed the officer in recent months. Many users argued that senior administrative officials should be well versed in basic national protocols, suggesting that a focus on social media presence might be distracting from official duties.

• Protocol Concerns: Some netizens pointed out that the salute is a mark of respect for the nation and even a momentary lapse is disappointing for a high ranking officer.
• Camera Awareness: A common theme among detractors was that the officer seemed more focused on where the cameras were positioned than on the flag itself.
• Defenders Respond: Conversely, many supporters have come to her defense, calling it a simple human error. They argue that the pressure of large public events can lead to momentary slips and that the error was corrected within seconds without any intent of disrespect.

Tina Dabi Clarifies The Situation

Following the widespread circulation of the video, Tina Dabi addressed the incident in a conversation with local media. She clarified that the situation was a misunderstanding of the spatial arrangement on the ground. According to the officer, staff members were standing on both sides of her, and she had initially adjusted her position to maintain a natural stance relative to the crowd.

She emphasized that there was absolutely no intention of showing disrespect to the national flag. She stated that as soon as she realized the alignment was slightly off, she corrected herself to face the tricolour properly. The District Magistrate maintained that the event was a patriotic celebration and that the small moment of confusion is being blown out of proportion by certain online circles.

A Recurring Pattern Of Public Scrutiny

This is not the first time the Barmer DM has faced the heat of the digital spotlight. In late 2025, she was criticized during student protests in Barmer where some students were reportedly detained after calling her a “Reel Star.” That incident, combined with previous viral videos of her interactions with political leaders, has made her a frequent target for both extreme admiration and intense criticism.

As the Republic Day celebrations conclude, the debate over the “celebrity culture” within the Indian bureaucracy continues to grow. Whether this incident remains a minor footnote or continues to fuel the conversation about administrative discipline remains to be seen.