Former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur has submitted evidence against Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary in the ongoing reinvestigation concerning Chaudhary’s controversial “52 Fridays and one Holi” remark in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district. Thakur, a 1992-batch ex-IPS officer and National President of the Azad Adhikar Sena, visited Sambhal to record his statement and demand action against Chaudhary for allegedly making provocative statements while serving in an official capacity.
Thakur accused Chaudhary of violating service conduct and uniform rules by making unauthorized communal remarks that could incite social tension and fear among certain communities. He stressed that such statements by a uniformed officer undermine impartial governance and warrant disciplinary action if proven true.
Initially, an inquiry led by the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) had cleared Chaudhary of wrongdoing. However, following Thakur’s objections, the government revoked the clean chit and ordered a fresh investigation. “I was given three days to submit evidence,” Thakur stated. “I have provided a 33-page document with six key arguments and 18 supporting pieces of evidence to the investigating officer.”
Meanwhile, Chaudhary has been transferred to Chandausi Circle, though the order does not specify any punitive measures, suggesting it is merely an administrative reassignment.
When questioned about Chaudhary’s alleged alignment with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s views, Thakur clarified, “The CM’s statement was made in his capacity as a BJP leader, not as an official declaration. Regardless, constitutional conduct must be upheld by all public servants, including the CM or Home Minister. I view such remarks as personal opinions, not official positions.”
The case gained traction after Sambhal ASP Srishchandra issued a notice on April 29, directing Thakur to submit evidence within three days. Thakur reiterated that Chaudhary’s actions violated Police Service Conduct Rules, adding, “Such behavior introduces a communal bias into policing, fosters public mistrust, and creates an atmosphere of fear.”
The reinvestigation is currently underway, and the administration is expected to take further action based on its findings.
