sambhal-co-anuj-chaudhary-transferred

In a significant reshuffle within the Sambhal Police Department, Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary has been transferred to Chandausi following backlash over his controversial public remarks.

 

The move comes as part of a broader restructuring, with officers in three circles being reassigned, police said on Friday.

 

Anuj Chaudhary, who had been in the spotlight for his outspoken statements, has been replaced by ASP Alok Kumar, who will now assume command as the new CO of Sambhal.

 

CO Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh, previously posted in Bahjoi Circle, has been shifted to the Traffic Department. Santosh Kumar Singh, who held the Traffic CO position, has been moved to the police line and tasked with the responsibility of overseeing UP Dial 112.

 

Meanwhile, Alok Sidhu, the former Chandausi CO, has been reassigned to Bahjoi Circle.

 

The reshuffle follows mounting criticism against Anuj Chaudhary over comments he made during a peace committee meeting on Holi and Friday prayers.

 

In the meeting, he reportedly remarked, “Holi comes once a year, but Friday comes 52 times,” and added, “If someone wants to avoid colour, they should not step outside.” 

 

He further stated that “if you want to serve seviyan on Eid, you must also eat gujiya on Holi.” The remarks quickly went viral on social media, drawing public outrage and accusations of communal insensitivity.

 

Amid the controversy, a complaint was lodged by Azad Adhikar Sena’s national president and former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur.

 

The complaint alleged repeated violations of service conduct and uniform norms by the officer, claiming he was fostering communal tension and insecurity among certain communities.

 

An initial inquiry conducted by ASP Shrishchandra dismissed the allegations and granted a clean chit to Chaudhary, citing insufficient evidence.

 

However, following objections from the complainant and accusations that his statements were not considered, the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) revoked the clean chit and ordered a fresh investigation.

 

Authorities have now asked the complainant to present supporting evidence and witness statements within three days. The renewed probe aims to determine whether Chaudhary’s statements breached service rules or incited communal disharmony.