Jammu, Jul 24 (IANS): A photo of the District Development Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban being carried in a palanquin with an attendant holding an umbrella over his head has gone viral.

The picture showing Showkat Ajaz Bhat being carried in a palanquin by people with an attendant holding an umbrella over his head has gone viral on Wednesday to the embarrassment of the state administration.

The picture reminds one of the days of British rule when bureaucrats would ride elephants or were carried by poor people in palanquins during their official visits.

The officer has tried to defend himself by saying that he went in the palanquin just over a short distance as he had travelled 10 kms on foot to reach a village in the district that had never been visited by any officer before.

Despite this explanation, the act of a civil servant being carried by people in a palanquin with an attendant holding an umbrella is seen as indefensible.