NEW DELHI: In recent times, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed two incidents involving law enforcement personnel that have sparked public discourse: one concerning Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anuj Chaudhary in Sambhal and the other involving a police officer named M. Shan in Rampur.ย
The nature and extent of attention these cases have received appear markedly different, raising questions about societal biases and the criteria for public scrutiny.
DSP Anuj Chaudhary: Controversial Remarks Ahead of Holi
Anuj Chaudhary, serving as the Circle Officer (CO) in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, recently made headlines due to his advisory issued ahead of the Holi festival. During a peace committee meeting on March 6, Chaudhary remarked that while Friday prayers occur 52 times a year, Holi is celebrated only once. He advised that those uncomfortable with Holi colors should remain indoors to prevent any conflicts. He stated, “If anyone feels that Holi colours might affect their religious beliefs, they should not come out of their houses on that day.”
This statement drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders and community members, who accused Chaudhary of insensitivity and bias. Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav condemned the officer’s remarks, linking them to past communal tensions in the region. Similarly, Congress leader Imran Masood criticized the language and tone used by Chaudhary, suggesting it could incite hatred.
In response to the backlash, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended Chaudhary, attributing his straightforwardness to his background as a wrestler and Arjuna awardee. Adityanath remarked, “He has also been an Arjuna awardee and is a wrestler who speaks like one.”
M. Shan: Allegations of Misconduct in Rampur
In Rampur, a police officer named M. Shan has come under scrutiny following allegations of misconduct. Reports suggest that Shan uploaded a reel on social media performing namaz while in uniform, which some critics argue violates the secular nature of the police force.ย
Anuj Chaudhary เคเฅ เคธเคพเคฐเฅ secular target เคเคฐเฅเคเคเฅ เคฒเฅเคเฅเคจ เคฐเคพเคฎเคชเฅเคฐ, เคเคคเฅเคคเคฐ เคชเฅเคฐเคฆเฅเคถ เคเฅ M Shan เคเฅ เคเฅเค เคเฅเค เคจเคนเฅ เคฌเฅเคฒเฅเคเคพ pic.twitter.com/60jwXcRjqF
โ Kreately.in (@KreatelyMedia) March 15, 2025
Additionally, there are allegations that he used a vehicle with an illegal placement of the vehicle’s number plate. These actions have raised concerns about adherence to departmental protocols and the potential implications for communal harmony.
เคเคเฅเคค เคชเฅเคฐเคเคฐเคฃ เคฎเฅเค เคจเคฟเคฏเคฎเคพเคจเฅเคธเคพเคฐ เคเคพเคฐเฅเคฏเคตเคพเคนเฅ เคนเฅเคคเฅ เคธเคฎเฅเคฌเคจเฅเคงเคฟเคค เคเฅ เค เคตเคเคค เคเคฐเคพเคฏเคพ เคเคฏเคพ เฅค
โ Rampur police (@rampurpolice) March 15, 2025
The Rampur police have acknowledged the incident involving Shan. In response to a query on social media, the official handle of Rampur Police commented,”The concerned individual has been informed for appropriate action as per the rules,” indicating that appropriate action as per rules has been initiated.
Public and Media Scrutiny: A Comparative Analysis
The disparity in public attention between these two cases is notable. DSP Anuj Chaudhary’s remarks, made in his official capacity, have been widely reported and debated in both media and political circles. The controversy surrounding his advisory has elicited responses from high-ranking officials and political leaders, reflecting the significant public interest in his statements.
In contrast, the allegations against M. Shan, despite involving potential breaches of conduct, have not garnered equivalent media coverage or public debate. The response has been limited to official channels, with minimal discussion in mainstream media or among political figures.
The contrasting levels of attention afforded to DSP Anuj Chaudhary and M. Shan highlight the factors that influence public and media focus. Public figures and officials naturally attract more scrutiny due to their roles and the impact of their actions on society. Private individuals, unless involved in significant public matters, typically remain outside the purview of widespread public attention. This disparity underscores the importance of context, public interest, and societal impact in shaping the narratives surrounding individuals in the public domain.
