New Delhi, December 23: A protest by college students in Rajasthan’s Barmer has sparked a social media storm after demonstrators reportedly labeled District Collector Tina Dabi a "reel star" instead of a "role model." While student leaders affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged they were detained by police for the remark, the district administration and senior police officials have categorically denied any formal arrests, describing the incident as a routine measure to maintain public order.

The controversy began on Saturday, December 20, outside the Multanmal Bhikhchand Chhajed (MBC) Women's College. Students were staging a demonstration against a significant hike in examination fees, demanding a personal meeting with Collector Tina Dabi to address their grievances.

According to eyewitnesses and viral video clips, the situation escalated when an official during the negotiations referred to Dabi - a high-profile 2016-batch IAS officer - as a "role model" for the students. Protesters disagreed with the characterization, asserting that a true role model would be present to hear their concerns. They instead labeled her a "reel star," a pointed reference to her large social media following and frequent public appearances captured on camera. IAS Tina Dabi ‘Bows’ 5 Times in 7 Seconds Before BJP Leader Satish Poonia in Barmer, Viral Video Surfaces.

Students Allegedly Detained for Calling IAS Officer Tina Dabi 'Reel Star'

Following the conclusion of the sit-in, student leaders claimed they were detained. The news of the alleged detentions triggered a secondary protest as students gathered outside the Kotwali police station, demanding the immediate release of their peers.

IAS Tina Dabi Refutes Allegations

District Collector Tina Dabi has dismissed the allegations as a coordinated attempt to gain "cheap publicity." In a statement to NDTV, she clarified that the fee hike issue, which falls under the jurisdiction of the University of Jodhpur, had already been largely resolved by the Vice-Chancellor prior to the protest.

"No one ever got arrested or even detained. Some students, despite the fee hike issue being resolved, were blocking the road and trying to create a nuisance," Dabi stated. She explained that a few students were taken to the police station by subordinates for a "cooling down" discussion after they continued to block a main road despite the issue being settled. Tina Dabi, IAS Officer, Appointed BRICS Panel's Honorary Advisor.

Background on IAS Officer Tina Dabi

Tina Dabi rose to national prominence as the UPSC Civil Services Examination topper in 2015, becoming a significant role model for many aspiring civil servants. Known for her active social media presence, she frequently shares updates on her administrative work, public awareness campaigns, and occasionally personal milestones.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2025 12:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).