Deputy superintendent of police Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, circle officer (CO) of Sambhal, is the reason for a heated debate following his remarks throughout a peace committee assembly held forward of Holi.
Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, circle officer of Sambhal (HT File Photograph)
Through the assembly, the officer stated that these uncomfortable with Holi colors ought to stay indoors because the competition comes annually, sparking criticism from opposition events which demanded motion towards him saying his remarks present “bias” and should not befitting of an officer.
The officer had made the assertion in the course of the peace committee assembly, performed on the Sambhal Kotwali police station on March 6, aimed to make sure communal concord as Holi coincided with Friday prayers in the course of the holy month of Ramzan.
Through the assembly, Chaudhary stated, “Friday prayers happen 52 times a year, while Holi comes only once. If anyone feels that Holi colours might affect their religious beliefs, they should not come out of their houses on that day. Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together”.
Chaudhary’s advisory forward of Holi drew sharp response from leaders from opposition events.
On Friday, Rajya Sabha MP and Samajwadi Social gathering normal secretary, Ramgopal Yadav condemned the officer’s assertion and blamed him for riots in Sambhal that broke out on November 24, 2024. “The CO incited riots. He was saying goli chalao goli chalao…everyone saw it. He was only the CO then. What else can be expected from him? Whenever the (political) system changes, such people will be in jail,” Yadav stated whereas addressing the media in Firozabad on Friday.
Congress MP from Saharanpur, Imram Masood, stated that the “language and tone” of Sambhal’s CO was not applicable in any respect. “We should all celebrate festivals together. Everyone should respect each other’s religion. Friday prayers should be offered peacefully, and in Hindu-majority areas, people should avoid going unnecessarily. If we do not respect each other, how will communal harmony be maintained? Sambhal CO’s language and tone are not appropriate at all. Through his words, he is trying to spread hatred. It is extremely
unfortunate for someone holding a public office to make such a petty statement,” Masood stated, including that “senior police officials should take action against the CO themselves”.
Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq stated that Muslims are being threatened within the peace committee assembly. Such conferences must be boycotted.
“I strongly condemn the intimidation of the Muslim side during the peace meeting and demand strict action against such officials. It is unacceptable for those entrusted with maintaining law and order to misuse their authority in this manner. I urge that until officials with such a biased mindset and a disregard for the law are removed from these positions, peace meetings led by them should be completely boycotted,” Barq stated.
Holi in Sambhal until 2.30 pm, Juma namaz thereafter
SAMBHAL Holi might be performed in Sambhal city until 2.30 pm on March 14 whereas Muslims will provide Juma namaz after 2.30 pm, a senior police official on Friday stated, including seven firms of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed forward of the competition.
Sambhal superintendent of police (SP) Krishan Kumar on Friday stated that in view of Holi and the primary Friday of Ramzan falling on the identical day, seven firms of PAC have been deployed within the metropolis. Full peace prevails within the district and peace committee conferences are being organised on the mohalla degree, he stated. (PTI)