A Muslim youth, Aabad Shah, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar after he commented on Sambhal police officer’s controversial ‘Stay Indoors on Holi’ remark concerning Muslims ahead of the Holi celebration coinciding this year on Friday Ramadan.
Shah, a resident of Kamalpur village in Shahpur Nagar panchayat, had posted on social media, demanding action against Anuj Kumar Chowdhury, the Circle Officer of Sambhal city. His post read: “Bakr Eid comes once a year. Those who feel that seeing meat and blood will corrupt their religion should not step out of their homes. #ArrestAnujChaudhry.”
His comment came in response to Chowdhury’s earlier remark urging Muslims to stay indoors on Holi. The officer justified his stance by saying, “There are 52 Fridays in a year, but only one Holi. Hindus wait for it just like Muslims wait for Eid.” He further suggested that if Muslims feared Holi colors, they should remain inside or be “big-hearted enough” to accept getting splashed.
Shah’s arrest triggered outrage among activists and opposition leaders, who accused the state government of suppressing dissent. To make matters worse, a video of Shah apologizing from inside the lockup went viral on Wednesday. In the 22-second clip, he expressed regret for his comments and assured he would not repeat the “mistake.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath backed Chowdhury, supporting his remarks and urging Muslims to offer Friday prayers at home. Despite mounting criticism, no action has been taken against the officer.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com.
