Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary’s remarks on Holi celebrations have triggered criticism from opposition parties, who accused him of bias and demanded action against him. At a peace committee meeting held on Thursday at the Sambhal Kotwali police station ahead of Holi, which coincides with Friday prayers during Ramzan, Chaudhary said, “Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times in a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay indoors on that day. Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together.”
#Sambhal– हमारे मुजफ्फरनगर के वासी संभल के दबंग CO अनुज चौधरी की दो टूक
जिन्हें रंग से ऐतराज, होली के दिन घर से न निकलें,
साल में 52 जुमे होते हैं और होली सिर्फ एक बार आती है।
होली को लेकर पीस कमेटी की मीटिंग में CO की सख्त चेतावनी…!@wrestleranuj @myogiadityanath #holi pic.twitter.com/BlNUl1RLgU
— विभोर अग्रवाल🇮🇳 (@IVibhorAggarwal) March 6, 2025
“Just as Muslims eagerly await Eid, Hindus look forward to Holi. People celebrate by applying colours, sharing sweets, and spreading joy. Similarly, on Eid, people prepare special dishes and embrace each other in celebration. The essence of both festivals is togetherness and mutual respect,” he said.
He stressed the importance of communal harmony and law and order, stating that peace committee meetings had been ongoing for a month at various levels to ensure smooth celebrations. He also appealed to people to respect each other’s sentiments and avoid forcing colours on those who do not wish to participate.
He reiterated that anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony would face strict action.
‘Officers Should Not Act As BJP Agents’: Samajwadi Party, Congress Slam Cop’s Remarks
His remarks, however, drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sharvendra Bikram Singh condemned the statement, alleging that officers were acting like agents of the BJP.
“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,” Singh said, as per news agency PTI.
Uttar Pradesh Congress Media Committee Vice Chairman Manish Hindvi also criticised Chaudhary, asserting that officers must uphold secular values. “An officer, regardless of who they are, must be secular; only then can governance function properly in this country. Otherwise, it will lead to anarchy,” Hindvi said.
He further stated, “If people from a particular religion have expressed discomfort with playing with colours, the officer’s duty is to ensure that there is no atmosphere of fear or insecurity. 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. Those who engage in vote-bank politics make such remarks.”
“As an officer, one cannot make such statements; otherwise, tomorrow they might say they will only ensure the security of Hindus and not Muslims. The statement made by this police officer is highly condemnable. I believe action should be taken against him as per the officers’ code of conduct,” he added, as quoted by ANI.
The controversy comes months after violence erupted in Sambhal’s Kot Garvi locality on November 24 last year during protests against a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era Jama Masjid. The clashes led to the deaths of four people, while several others sustained injuries.
