Social media users term the suspension unfortunate, arguing that the SI remarks were factual, historical in nature, and focused on highlighting the protection and dignity of women
LUCKNOW — The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to suspend Afaq Khan, a sub-inspector in the traffic police in Uttar Pradesh for citing historical references to social reforms associated with Prophet Muhammad, has triggered widespread outrage on social media. Netizens pointed out the hypocrisy of the state government, drawing comparisons with previous incidents involving police personnel actively participating in Hindu religious processions.
Social media users highlighted that police were seen massaging the feet of Kanwariyas, showering flowers, and even carrying religious symbols, such as the Gada, without objection.
“Police personnel are seen massaging the feet of Kanwariyas, showering flowers, and even carrying religious symbols (Gada) during religious processions, and no one objects. But when Sub-Inspector Mohammad Afaq merely quoted a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad in a public address: “When a daughter is born in a home, mercy descends upon it”, suddenly outrage erupts. He is accused of spreading “religious teaching in uniform,” and is promptly suspended after complaints from Bajrang Dal. Why is religious expression acceptable in uniform for some, but punishable for others? Why do rules apply selectively based on name and faith?’ asked a user on X, formerly twitter.
Many users have termed the suspension unfortunate, arguing that the remarks were factual, historical in nature, and focused on highlighting the protection and dignity of women.
Several users have further stated that referencing historical social reforms should not invite disciplinary action, particularly at a time when violence against women continues to be a serious concern in modern times.
Afaq Khan who faced the wrath of some Hindutva groups earlier this month for citing historical references to social reforms associated with Prophet Muhammad.
Hindutva groups expressed their resentment and called for strict disciplinary action against the officer after his video delivering “Islamic indoctrination” to schoolchildren during a public safety programme in Kannauj, went viral. raising fresh concerns about religious double standards in the country’s law enforcement system.
The officer was immediately placed on non-field duty as soon as the controversy started. He has now been suspended.
In the video, SI Khan is seen addressing the schoolchildren on how Prophet Muhammad worked to reform society and helped end the practice of female infanticide and other forms of oppression against women that were prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia.
After the event, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal members lodged a complaint against the SI accusing him of imparting that religious teachings while in uniform.
The police described speaking about matters related to a particular religion while in uniform as “against the Constitution” and service rules.
The administration of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been widely associated with aggressive Hindu nationalist politics.
Under his government, Muslim officials, teachers and clerics have repeatedly faced disciplinary action or police cases over speech, social media posts or religious expression.
At the same time, Hindu police personnel in the state are frequently seen participating in, facilitating or providing security for Hindu religious processions, chants and rituals — often in uniform — without facing comparable scrutiny or punishment.
Rights advocates and analysts say this contrast points to selective enforcement shaped by ideology rather than neutrality.
Afaq Khan’s case has drawn particular attention because of his public profile. He has more than 900,000 followers on Instagram and around 2.3 million followers on Facebook, where he regularly posts videos promoting traffic safety, helmet use and lawful driving.
His content has often been praised for reaching young audiences in a state with high rates of road accidents.
