Congress party member urges Moradabad DIG to initiate action against the police officer
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — A member of the Congress party has filed a complaint with the Deputy Inspector of Police (DIG) of Moradabad range in Uttar Pradesh against the Circle Officer (CO) of Sambhal, Anuj Kumar Chowdhury, over his statement drawing a comparison between the Hindu festival of Holi and the Friday noon’s congregational prayers.
Congress member Aditya Goswami’s complaint with the DIG Muniraj G on Thursday demands appropriate action against Chowdhury for promoting feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes on the grounds of religion.
The complaint quoted the Sambhal police officer’s controversial statement wherein he said: “Jumma comes 52 times a year but Holi comes once a year. If people of the Muslim community feel that their religion will be corrupted by the colours of Holi, they should not leave their homes on that day”.
This remark, the complaint said, has since gone viral all over social media and is highly offensive, promotes hatred, and is detrimental to harmony in the public. “Your good self may be aware of the fact that such a statement is in utter violation of Rule 3 under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. It is clearly stated in Rule 3 (v) that a government servant shall at all times defend and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, decency and morality,” reads the complaint.
Goswami demanded action against Chowdhury to set a strong precedent for society and ensure the integrity of Uttar Pradesh Police after taking cognisance of the matter.
Since Chowdhury made the controversial remarks, he has come under fire from political leaders, activists and concerned citizens.
Condemning Chowdhury’s remarks, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sharvendra Bikram Singh said officers “should not act as BJP agents”. He also sought strict action against the Sambhal Circle Officer for his remarks and openly displaying bias.
“The officers are imitating what they hear from the chief minister to stay in his good books. Action should be taken against those who make such statements and openly display their bias. This is condemnable, and officers should not act as BJP agents,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Congress Media Committee Vice Chairman Manish Hindvi said: “There should be an arrangement where both Holi is celebrated and Namaz is offered peacefully. Saying that Holi comes once a year while Friday prayers happen 52 times and that those who dislike colours should stay indoors is a political statement.”
However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out in support of Chowdhury by justifying his remarks.
The chief minister asserted that the police officer (Sambhal CO) was a wrestler and he spoke the truth.
“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,” Adityanath said.
In January, a probe was launched against Chowdhury after videos surfaced showing him carrying Lord Hanuman’s mace during a religious procession in police uniform. He was accused of participating in religious rituals while on duty and violating service conduct rules.
Chowdhury had previously drawn attention for justifying police firing during clashes at the Shahi Jama Masjid survey last November in which Five Muslim youth lost their lives.