Muslim youth jailed for criticizing UP cop’s communal remarks
Lucknow: In yet another display of anti-Muslim repression in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim youth was arrested and forced to issue a video apology from behind the bars for criticizing Hindutva-leaning police officer’s communal remarks.
Aabad Shah, a resident of Kamalpur village in Muzaffarnagar, had taken to social media to criticize the Islamophobic comments made by Anuj Kumar Chowdhury, Circle Officer of Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal city. In his post, Aabad had demanded Chowdhury’s arrest for his blatant bias against Muslims.
The controversy erupted when Chowdhury advised Muslims to stay indoors on Friday to avoid Holi colors, implying that their religious practices should take a backseat to Hindu festivities. He remarked, “Holi comes only once a year, while Friday (Jumma) prayers happen 52 times a year. If someone has an issue with Holi colors, they should stay inside until celebrations end.”
Aabad Shah countered the officer’s remarks with a post highlighting the hypocrisy, stating, “Bakr Eid comes once a year. If seeing meat and blood corrupts someone’s religion, they should stay indoors. #ArrestAnujChaudhry.”
However, instead of action against Chowdhury, police swiftly arrested Aabad Shah, forcing him to issue an apology video from behind bars. In the 22-second video, Aabad is seen apologizing, visibly under duress, while an unidentified person prompts him in the background, instructing him to say he won’t make such statements again.
The incident received sharp criticism from opposition leaders, religious organisations, and social activists who slammed Chowdhury for showing bias and attempting to suppress religious freedom. Critics pointed out that while Hindutva figures routinely spew anti-Muslim hate with impunity, a Muslim man was arrested simply for calling out bigotry.
Adding fuel to the fire, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, notorious for his anti-Muslim policies, backed Chowdhury’s remarks, reinforcing the state’s institutional bias against Muslims.
