Sambhal Cop, Whose 'Holi-Jumma Namaz' Remark Sparked Row, Gets Clean Cheat From UP Police

Sambhal: Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, who had sparked row with his statement 'Holi comes once a year, Jumma 52 times' has been granted a clean chit by DGP Prashant Kumar.

Former IPS and Azad Adhikar Sena Party president Amitabh Thakur had filed a complaint against Anuj Chaudhary on the IGRS (Integrated Grievance Redressal System) portal on April 9. Thakur had alleged that Anuj Chaudhary was deliberately and continuously violating the Government Servants Conduct Rules.

The DGP had handed over the investigation to SP Law and Order Manoj Kumar Awasthi posted at the Police Headquarters. Manoj conducted the investigation along with ASP North Shrishchandra of Sambhal. Peace Committee members were questioned during the investigation. No one considered Anuj Chaudhary's statement to be wrong.

What did Anuj Chaudhary say during the investigation?

"I am the CO of Sambhal city since December 16, 2023. My circle includes Thana Kotwali Sambhal, Thana Hayatnagar, Hazratnagar Garhi and Kaila Devi. Violence broke out during the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024. Due to the violence, the atmosphere of Sambhal remained more sensitive than other districts."

He further said, "As Holi and Jumma ki Namaaz were on the same day, it was a big challenge to celebrate both festivals peacefully. A peace committee meeting was held. In which both communities were appealed to celebrate Holi and Jumma ki Namaaz peacefully."

"I did not say anything objectionable. I was only asked to maintain peace and law and order,"he added.

He further said, "After this, a meeting was held with the religious leaders of both the communities to celebrate Juma-e-Wida on March 28 and Eid-ul-Fitr on March 31 peacefully. Both the festivals were celebrated peacefully. During this time, I did not make any such comment in favor of any religious community, which has hurt the sentiments of any particular religion. Some people have linked my appeal to a particular religion and circulated it among the public in a wrong way to gain political advantage."

Anuj Chaudhary's remark that sparked row

"My straightforward message is that Jumma comes 52 times a year, but Holi comes only once a year. If Muslim community members feel their religion is corrupted by Holi colors, they should not leave home that day. If they do go out, they should have a big enough heart to accept that everyone is equal."

"Just as the Muslim community waits all year for Eid, the Hindu community also waits for Holi. Holi is celebrated by applying colors, offering sweets, and embracing the spirit of 'don't mind, it's Holi'. Similarly, during Eid, people make sewaiyan (sweet vermicelli), embrace each other, and visit one another. Both Hindu and Muslim communities should respect each other, and colours should not be forcibly applied to anyone - this applies to the Hindu community as well. If someone is trying to avoid it, colours should not be applied to them. The Sambhal administration will not tolerate any negligence from any side, and strict action will be taken against anyone who disturbs the peace," he said.

CM Yogi Aditynath Had Extended Support

Days after the statement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came out in support of Sambhal CO Anuj Chaudhary. Speaking at an event organised by a private news channel, the UP CM said, "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." 

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