Khaki and colored statements with political overtones don’t go nicely collectively. However this mismatch has grow to be a actuality, courtesy a ‘pehelwan’ (wrester)-turned police officer who has upstaged politicians in making loaded statements.
Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary f (Sourced)
That’s deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary from Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, who has discovered himself on the centre of a heated controversy in latest days following his remarks advising Muslims to remain indoors throughout Holi celebrations to keep away from potential conflicts.
His household’s affiliation with the ruling occasion has made his deviation from “a neutral approach” all of the extra obtrusive — His elder brother Amit is district vice-president of the BJP in Muzaffarnagar and has served as block pramukh. Amit’s spouse is the incumbent block pramukh from Sadar. Resident of Bedheri village in Muzaffarnagar district, Chaudhary comes from a household historically concerned in agriculture.
Chaudhary’s assertion got here forward of Holi, which coincides with Friday prayers on March 14. He advised that Muslims ought to keep away from stepping out throughout Holi in the event that they discover the applying of colors offensive, emphasising that Holi is widely known every year, whereas Friday prayers happen weekly. This recommendation was seen as divisive by many, with opposition events accusing him of selling communal discord.
A senior IPS officer mentioned, “The tone and choice of words by the officer was wrong. He was supposed to maintain a neutral approach and should have avoided projecting himself as being inclined towards one section of the society. On careful examination, it looks like he made the statement thoughtfully in a controlled setting. It may be the language of a politician but surely not of a police officer. Sambhal has seen a lot of tension recently and such statements bring no good.”
The Sambhal district administration has issued directives cautioning officers in opposition to making public statements that would damage spiritual sentiments. Nevertheless, after chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s assertion in his assist, officers are tight-lipped.
Adityanath defended the DSP’s remarks as a fact that must be accepted.
“He has also been an Arjuna Awardee and a former Olympian. Since he is a wrestler, he speaks like one. Some people might find it a bit unpleasant, but it is the truth, and that truth should be accepted,” Yogi Adityanath mentioned.
Earlier than becoming a member of the police pressure, Chaudhary (46) had a notable profession in wrestling, representing India on the nationwide and worldwide ranges. Between 1997 and 2014, he was a nationwide champion and received two silver medals on the Nationwide Video games (2002, 2010) together with two bronze medals on the Asian Championships. On the 2004 Summer time Olympics in Athens, Chaudhary certified within the males’s 84 Kg class. For his achievements in sports activities, he was awarded the Laxman Award in 2001 and the celebrated Arjuna Award in 2005.
Chaudhary joined the Uttar Pradesh Police by the sports activities quota and have become a deputy SP within the 2012 batch. Other than policing duties, Chaudhary gained reputation on social media. At the moment, he has over 5 lakh (500,000) followers on Instagram and seven lakh (700,000) on Fb. Opposition events just like the Samajwadi Celebration and Congress have strongly criticised Chaudhary, accusing him of inciting communal violence in Sambhal final 12 months and undermining spiritual concord.
Samajwadi Celebration chief Ram Gopal Yadav condemned Chaudhary’s assertion, saying, “Such statements are not only irresponsible but also dangerous. They can lead to communal tensions and violence. If our party comes to power, we will take legal action against him for his role in past communal incidents.”
Congress chief Priyanka Gandhi Vadra additionally criticised Chaudhary, stating, “It is the duty of the police to ensure safety and security for all citizens, not to advise one community to stay indoors. This kind of statement reflects a biased mindset and undermines the principles of secularism.”
Throughout a peace committing assembly, Chaudhary, addressing considerations about potential tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities, said: “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 homes on that day. Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together.”
“Just as Muslims eagerly await Eid, Hindus look forward to Holi. The essence of both festivals is togetherness and mutual respect,” he added.
In the meantime, a resident of Muzaffarnagar who had commented on DSP Anuj Chaudhary’s submit was arrested and an apology video of him recorded. Arbaz of Kamalpur village within the Shahpur Nagar panchayat of Muzaffarnagar had posted on social media that Bakrid got here round simply every year, therefore those that had an issue with blood mustn’t step out on the day.