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

The UP DGP found no evidence of misconduct, dismissing a complaint that accused Choudhary of violating service rules.

Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Choudhary was cleared of charges after an investigation into his remarks about Friday namaz coinciding with Holi.

Source : PTI

Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chouhdhary has been given a clean chit over his remark on Friday namaz coincinding with Holi that sparked tensions in the district ahead of the festival. 

Last month, Choudhary said that Friday namaz takes place 52 times a year while Holi comes just once so those who have problem with colours should stay indoors on that day. 

Former IPS officer and President of Azad Adhikar Sena Amitabh Thakur had filed a complaint with UP Director General of Police against CO Anuj Choudhary. The complainant accused the CO of violating service rules and uniform rules.

A probe was carried out against Choudhary after which the UP DGP gave him a clean chit saying no such evidence was found against the CO. 

Holi-Friday Namaz Remark 

The CO gave a statement to the media last month saying the Friday namaz takes place 52 times a year but the festival of Holi comes just once so those who have problem with colours shouls stay indoor. 

Choudhary made the remark during a peace committee meeting ahead of Holi which was on a Friday, coinciding with the Juma namaz during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan. 

"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," he had said. 

Days later he sparked another row saying, "If you want to serve Eid's Sevaiyan, you will have to eat Gujia too..." 

Following his initial remark, security was beefed up in various cities across the country ahead of Holi, including Sambhal where violence had killed four people in November last year during a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid.