The Shahi Jama Masjid being covered in tarpaulin as prevention against possible holi colour ahead of the celebration, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Former senior Uttar Pradesh police top officials reacted sharply over the recent statement of Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, posted as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Sambhal, for his comments telling the Muslims to not leave home if they feel their religion will get corrupted by Holi colours.
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Speaking to The Hindu, former U.P. Director General of Police Sulkhan Singh dubbed the statement as extra-legal, stressing for action against the officer.
Other senior retired officials said the comment will fuel divisive politics in the State, adding the Chief Minister supporting the statement is unfortunate.
“This statement [by the DSP] is supporting lawlessness. Instead of directing people to follow rules, this officer is encouraging people to create nuisance. Such irresponsible and illegal behaviour calls for action against him. As per the law nobody can throw colours or water or anything on anyone without their consent. Police officers are responsible to make sure rules and regulations are followed and that there is no lawlessness in public places. The official in question [the Sambhal DSP] is acting contrary to his mandate,” Sulkhan Singh, a former Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police, said.
When asked about U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath supporting the DSP’s comments, Sulkhan Singh, a 1980-batch retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer said, “I will not comment on the statement by the CM as he was my boss, but lawlessness or inciting people to commit offence cannot be encouraged.”
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Vibhuti Narain Rai, another retired Director General level officer of U.P. police said no professional police officer should have given such statement. “It is awful. No professional police officer should have given such a statement,” Mr. Rai, a 1975-batch IPS officer, said.
He added that the BJP’s incumbency has also made a difference. “Deputy SP Anuj is trying to be show his loyalty to the administration. However, the comments of the officer will fuel divisive politics in U.P. The Chief Minister has unfortunately supported him and added to the confusion,” he said.
On March 6, at the peace committee meeting at the Sambhal Kotwali police station, Mr. Chaudhary said, “The festival of colours comes only once in a year while the Friday in comparison to the Friday prayers which come 52 times each year. I advise my Muslim brothers who think that colours on them while going for the Friday namaz will be an ungodly act to remain indoors until the Holi celebrations on the streets subside.” U.P. CM Mr. Adityanath supported the statement Adityanath adding the police official may have spoken as a “pehalwaan [wrestler]”.
Published – March 12, 2025 08:56 pm IST