Farrukhabad: An officer of a state-run power distribution company in Uttar Pradesh was suspended on Wednesday over a photo of Osama bin Laden in his office, describing the Al-Qaeda terrorist as "world's best junior engineer", officials said.

Ravindra Prakash Gautam, sub-divisional officer (SDO) with the Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (DVVNL), had the photo of bin Laden with a note below it that read "Respected Osama bin Laden, world's best junior engineer", the officials said.

After the photo and the message went viral on social media, senior district officials ordered the officer's suspension. The Osama bin Laden photo was also removed.

"The Managing Director of DVVNL has suspended SDO Ravindra Prakash Gautam following an inquiry into the incident," said Farrukhabad District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Singh.

The suspended officer tried to defend himself. "Anyone can be an idol. Osama was the best junior engineer of the world. The picture has been removed but I have several copies," Mr Gautam said.