A 'pehelwan'-turned-police officer who beats politicians in comments game

SP LEADER RAM GOPAL YADAV CONDEMNED CHAUDHARY'S STATEMENT, SAYING, "SUCH STATEMENTS ARE NOT ONLY IRRESPONSIBLE BUT ALSO DANGEROUS.

- Deepak Lavania

MEERUT: Khaki and coloured statements with political overtones don't go well together. But this mismatch has become a reality, courtesy a 'pehelwan' (wrestler)-turned police officer who has upstaged politicians in making loaded statements.

That's deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary from Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, who has found himself at the centre of a heated controversy in recent days following his remarks advising Muslims to stay indoors during Holi celebrations to avoid potential conflicts.

His family's association with the ruling party has made his deviation from "a neutral approach" all the more glaring -- His elder brother Amit is district vice-president of the BJP in Muzaffarnagar and has served as block pramukh. Amit's wife is the incumbent block pramukh from Sadar. Resident of Bedheri village in Muzaffarnagar district, Chaudhary comes from a family traditionally involved in agriculture.

Chaudhary's statement came ahead of Holi, which coincides with Friday prayers on March 14. He suggested that Muslims should avoid stepping out during Holi if they find the application of colours offensive, emphasising that Holi is celebrated once a year, while Friday prayers occur weekly. This advice was seen as divisive by many, with opposition parties accusing him of promoting communal discord.