Who is Anuj Chaudhary, the UP ‘Super Cop’ whose controversial Holi remark received backing from chief minister Yogi Adityanath? Chaudhary, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) in Uttar Pradesh, found himself in the midst of a controversy after his remarks advising Muslims to stay indoors during Holi celebrations sparked outrage. His statement, which came ahead of Holi coinciding with Friday prayers during Ramadan on March 14, however, earned him praise from Adityanath. Who is Anuj Chaudhary? Chaudhary is a decorated police officer serving as the DSP in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Before joining the police force, he had an illustrious career in wrestling, representing India at national and international levels. Between 1997 and 2014, he was a national champion and won two silver medals at the National Games (2002, 2010) along with two bronze medals at the Asian Championships. For his achievements in sports, he was awarded the Laxman Award in 2001 and the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2005. He joined the Uttar Pradesh Police through the sports quota and became a Deputy SP in the 2012 batch. Known for his fitness, discipline, and bold approach, he gained attention for his fearless stance in sensitive situations. Apart from his policing duties, Chaudhary made headlines for his public disagreements with senior politicians like Azam Khan and his viral video of singing devotional songs on duty. What Did Anuj Chaudhary Say? During a recent peace committee meeting, which was held to ensure communal harmony ahead of Holi, Chaudhary advised Muslim community members to remain indoors until the festivities on the streets ended. “The festival of colours comes only once a year, while the Friday (Jumu’ah) prayers happen 52 times in a year. If someone finds Holi colours to be an issue while going for prayers, it is better for them to stay inside until the celebrations end,” the cop added. The statement received sharp criticism from opposition leaders, religious organisations, and social activists who accused Chaudhary of showing bias and attempting to suppress religious freedom. Adityanath Backs Remark However, the UP chief minister came out in Chaudhary’s support, attributing his “blunt” remark to his background as a wrestler. “He is an Olympian, an Arjuna Awardee, a former wrestler. A wrestler speaks like a wrestler. Some people may feel offended by his words, but truth is truth, and we must accept it.” Adityanath added: “Holi is celebrated only once a year, whereas ‘Juma’ (Friday) prayers are offered 52 times a year. It was simply explained to avoid any conflicts. The officer advised that since Holi celebrations take place on the streets, those who feel uncomfortable with colours should stay indoors until the festivities end.” Besides, the chief minister also suggested that Friday prayers could be postponed or even offered at home. “If someone insists on offering Friday prayers at the usual time, they can do so at home. If they still want to go to the mosque, they should not object to Holi celebrations and colours on the way.” Adityanath also acknowledged that several Muslim religious leaders had already advised the community to delay Friday prayers to after 2pm once Holi celebrations subsided. Opposition Attacks Cop Adityanath’s defence triggered a political storm, with Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress accusing the BJP-led government of promoting a divisive agenda and undermining religious harmony. SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav was among the first to react, alleging that Chaudhary had played a role in instigating the November 2024 communal violence in Sambhal. “What can you expect from a cop who incited people during the violence? Such people will be in jails whenever there is a change of regime,” said Yadav. Congress leader Aditya Goswami also criticised Chaudhary’s statement, calling it a deliberate attempt to deepen religious divides: “The policeman is trying to create a rift and push hatred among people in the name of religion. His statement was highly objectionable and could only lead to communal discord.” District Administration Steps In As tensions escalated, Sambhal district magistrate Dr Rajendra Pensiya issued strict directives, instructing officials not to make statements without approval from senior authorities. “No officer should issue public statements that could hurt religious sentiments. Our priority is to maintain peace and order,” the DM said. Past Controversies This is not the first time Chaudhary has been in the news. In January this year, he sparked another controversy when a video showed him leading a religious procession while in uniform, carrying Lord Hanuman’s mace (gada). The incident raised questions about his impartiality as a police officer. Following public outcry, he was served a notice demanding an explanation. Despite this, Chaudhary has also been credited for his strong law enforcement record, particularly in handling organised crime and maintaining order in communally sensitive areas. Chaudhary’s Role in Sambhal Violence During the violent clashes in Sambhal over the Jama Masjid survey, Chaudhary was injured when rioters opened fire. Chaudhary, who was shot in the leg, had then said: “Police also have the right to self-defence. Policemen do not join the force to die. We have not worn this uniform to get killed by some ignorant rioter’s bullet.” During the violence, four young men lost their lives due to gunshot wounds. While police officials maintained that they did not open fire, they claimed that these individuals were killed by bullets fired by rioters.