In the bustling town of Sambhal, a statement from Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary has sparked quite a conversation among the locals and beyond. On a regular Thursday, this dedicated officer stepped forward to share his thoughts ahead of the much-loved Holi festival, which this year happens to fall on the same day as the Friday prayers during Ramzan. With a calm and steady voice, he suggested that those who might not enjoy getting splashed with Holi colors should consider staying indoors on that special day. It’s a practical idea, really—why step out if the vibrant powders and water fights aren’t your thing?

Anuj Chaudhary didn’t stop there. He went on to emphasize how important it is for everyone in the community to keep the peace and stay watchful to ensure everything goes smoothly. Law and order, after all, are the backbone of any celebration, and he’s clearly committed to making sure both Hindus and Muslims can enjoy their traditions without trouble. His words carry weight, especially with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath standing tall as a leader who believes in harmony and strength for all communities, particularly supporting Hindus in celebrating their festivals with pride.

"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 CO Chaudhary told reporters. This straightforward comment makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Holi is a rare, joyous occasion—just one day out of the whole year—while Friday prayers happen every single week. It’s a simple call for understanding: let the Hindus have their moment of fun without forcing anyone into something they don’t want. Those who join in should come with an open heart, ready to share in the happiness.

Chaudhary also shared that peace committee meetings have been happening for over a month now, bringing people together to plan for a smooth celebration. He’s been working hard behind the scenes, talking to folks from all walks of life to make sure everyone’s on the same page. He even added a gentle reminder—don’t go smearing colors on someone who isn’t keen on it. Respect goes a long way, and he’s spot on about that.

"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 the festival is togetherness and mutual respect." Isn’t that beautiful? Chaudhary paints a picture of two communities, each with their own big day, coming together in spirit. For Hindus, Holi is that burst of color and laughter they wait for all year, just like Eid is a time of feasting for Muslims. It’s all about enjoying what makes each festival special while appreciating the other side too.

The CO didn’t mince words when he repeated that the administration is dead serious about keeping the peace. Anyone trying to stir up trouble will face strict action—no ifs, ands, or buts about it. With leaders like Yogi Adityanath backing officers like Chaudhary, it’s clear the focus is on letting Hindus celebrate their traditions boldly while ensuring everyone’s safe and sound.

But not everyone’s happy with what he said. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sharvendra Bikram Singh came out swinging, calling Chaudhary’s words biased and demanding action against him. "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," he said. Singh seems to think Chaudhary’s just parroting Yogi’s line, but honestly, it sounds more like a man trying to keep the peace in a tricky situation. Why fault someone for wanting both sides to enjoy their day?

Then there’s Manish Hindvi from the Uttar Pradesh Congress, who chimed in with his own take. "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." Sure, arranging things so everyone’s happy is ideal, but Chaudhary’s suggestion isn’t about politics—it’s about common sense. Holi’s a one-off blast of fun, and he’s just asking for a little give-and-take.

This all comes against the backdrop of some tough times in Sambhal. Back in November last year, things got heated when protests broke out over a court-ordered survey of an old Mughal-era mosque. Sadly, that unrest ended with four people losing their lives and many others getting hurt. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be, and why folks like Anuj Chaudhary are working so hard to keep things calm this time around.

'He Speaks Like Pehlwan': CM Yogi Adityanath Defends Sambhal CO Anuj Chaudhary's 'Jumma Comes 52 Times' Remark On Holi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come forward in support of Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, who recently made headlines with his statement advising Muslims to remain indoors during Holi if they feel their religious practices might be affected by the festival's colors.​

Addressing an event organized by a private news channel, Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the importance of mutual respect during festivals. He stated, "On the occasion of Holi, I believe that everyone's sentiments should be respected. The Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) take place every Friday. Holi is celebrated once a year, and people have been lovingly made to understand this. I thank those who had already issued statements saying, 'Let Holi take place first.' Holi is on March 14. Let people play Holi until 2 PM, and then they can offer Jumu'ah prayers afterward." ​

The Chief Minister further noted that several Muslim religious leaders have appealed for understanding, acknowledging that while Jumu'ah prayers occur weekly, Holi is an annual event. He added, "The prayers can also be postponed; it is not mandatory that they must be performed at a specific time. However, if someone insists on offering prayers, they can do so at home. It is not necessary to go to the mosque. If someone still wishes to go, then they should not avoid colours. If they wish to avoid colours, it would be better to stay at home." ​

Highlighting CO Chaudhary's background, Chief Minister Adityanath mentioned, "He has also been an Arjuna Awardee and a former Olympian. Since he is a wrestler, he speaks like one. Some people might find it a bit unpleasant, but it is the truth, and that truth should be accepted." ​You can almost see the twinkle in Yogi’s eye as he talks about this powerhouse of an officer. A wrestler, an Olympian, a guy who’s grappled with the best—Chaudhary’s not here to whisper polite nothings. He roars his truth, and Yogi’s got a soft spot for that grit. It’s the kind of straight talk that cuts through the noise, even if it stings a little.

CO Anuj Chaudhary's remarks have sparked criticism from opposition leaders. A Congress party leader has filed a complaint against him, and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav criticized the officer, suggesting that if the government changes in Uttar Pradesh, individuals like Chaudhary could face legal consequences, "such people will be behind bars" if power shifts in UP.

When Government Changes, Anuj Chaudhary Will Be in Jail: Samajwadi Party Leader Ram Gopal Yadav Threatens Sambhal CO, Accusing Him of Inciting Violence

On March 6th, Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary advised local Muslims to remain indoors during Holi if they wished to avoid the festival's colors and suggested postponing Jumma Namaz on March 14th to prevent any potential conflicts. This statement did not sit well with Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, who threatened that CO Chaudhary would face imprisonment if his party ascends to power in Uttar Pradesh.​

Yadav accused CO Chaudhary of inciting violence in Sambhal the previous year, stating, "Anup Chaudhary incited riots. Anup Chaudhary was saying goli chalao goli chalao...everyone saw it. He only was the CO then. What better to expect from him? Would he talk right? Whenever the system changes, such people will be in jail." ​

Previously, CO Chaudhary had urged both Hindus and Muslims to maintain peace during the festival. He advised Muslims to avoid stepping out on Holi if they wished to avoid the colors and festivities, and he also urged Hindus not to apply colors to those unwilling. Given that Holi falls on March 14th, a Friday traditionally reserved for Jumma Namaz, CO Chaudhary suggested that Muslims consider postponing their prayers to avoid any unpleasant situations. He remarked, "Jumma comes 52 times a year while Holi comes only once a year. If any person from the Muslim community thinks that his religion will be corrupted due to Holi colours, he should avoid stepping out of his house on Holi. And if he still wants to come out then he should have a big heart not to be offended by the colours of Holi."

Anuj Chaudhary’s Journey: From Wrestling to UP Police

Now, let’s talk about the man in the eye of this storm. Anuj Chaudhary hails from Bahedi village in Muzaffarnagar, a place that shaped him into a fighter—literally. He’s no ordinary cop; he’s a wrestling champ who wrestled his way into the Uttar Pradesh Police through the sports quota. From 1997 to 2014, he ruled the mats as a national champion, snagging the Laxman Award in 2001 and the prestigious Arjun Award in 2005. By 2012, he’d climbed to Deputy SP, his medals paving the way.

Controversy’s no stranger to him, though. Back in Moradabad, he locked horns with SP bigwig Azam Khan. When Khan tried to pull rank, Chaudhary shot back, "I have received the Arjun Award, it is not received by anyone's favour." You can hear the steel in his voice—a man who’s earned his stripes and won’t bow to pressure. That grit showed again last year in Sambhal, when riots broke out during the mosque survey. Bullets flew, and Chaudhary took a hit. Bleeding but unbowed, he declared, "We have not joined the police to die. We also have the right to self-defense, if bullets are fired, we will also fire in self-defense." It’s the kind of raw defiance you’d expect from a wrestler turned lawman.

Then there was New Year’s, after the dust settled—or so folks thought. Chaudhary strutted through the Rath Yatra at Kartikeya Mahadev Temple, uniform crisp, carrying Hanuman ji’s mace like a badge of honor. Some cried foul, calling it a breach of police rules, demanding his head on a platter. But to others, it was a glimpse of a man who wears his faith and duty loud and proud.

From the wrestling ring to the streets of Sambhal, Anuj Chaudhary’s carved a path that’s anything but quiet. Now, with Yadav’s jail threat hanging over him, it’s clear the CO’s still in the fight—whether it’s Holi colors or political punches coming his way.