A police constable in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has found himself at the centre of controversy after a video from his WhatsApp status went viral, triggering backlash from Hindu groups. Following public uproar on social media, the Ghaziabad Police initiated an investigation and subsequently removed the constable from active duty.
According to media reports, the constable, Sohail Khan, posted a selfie taken during a visit to a temple on Janmashtami. While the photo itself raised no concerns, the background music accompanying the status stirred outrage. The audio track included a line stating that “no one except Allah is worthy of worship,” which many found objectionable given the religious setting.
The status quickly spread online and drew sharp criticism from several Hindu organisations. Activists accused Khan of disrespecting religious sentiments and using the status to provoke communal tensions.
Hindu Raksha Dal President Pinky Chaudhary escalated the controversy by claiming on X (formerly Twitter) that the constable was using his police uniform to promote Islam and encourage religious conversions.
As public anger intensified, numerous users tagged the Ghaziabad Police on social media, demanding strict action. In response, the police confirmed that an investigation was underway.
Commissioner of Police Alok Priyadarshi later stated that the inquiry had been assigned to the ACP of Kavinagar. Based on the preliminary findings, Constable Sohail Khan was removed from active duty, and a departmental inquiry was launched. The incident once again highlights how personal social media posts by individuals in uniform can quickly spark major controversies, especially when they touch on religious sentiments.
