A controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur after a video surfaced showing Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Naveen Dubey holding an Islamic flag during the Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession. The visuals, which went viral on September 6, though the event took place on September 5, showed Dubey on horseback carrying the flag, accompanied by Traffic In-Charge Brihaspati Saket and another officer.
The footage raised sharp questions among locals about whether it was appropriate for on-duty police officers, tasked with ensuring peace and neutrality, to participate in religious symbolism.
Several residents expressed concern that such actions blur the line between professional duty and personal involvement in religious events. “Police are meant to secure all communities equally. If officers themselves start taking part in processions, how can people trust their neutrality?” asked a local resident.
The officer’s act has ignited a wider debate about the conduct expected from officials in a diverse society.
Police response and action
Reacting to the viral video, Chhatarpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Agam Jain issued notices to SDOP Naveen Dubey and Traffic In-Charge Brihaspati Saket. Both officers have been directed to submit written explanations within four days.
SP Jain confirmed that an internal inquiry is underway and assured strict action if misconduct is established. “The matter is being examined, and responsibility will be fixed. Any lapse will not be ignored,” he said.
Officers’ clarifications
Defending his actions, SDOP Dubey said he was not actively participating in the procession but was overseeing security when the incident occurred.
“We were riding horses to inspect the security arrangements. At that moment, someone handed me the flag, and it was caught on camera,” Dubey explained.
Traffic In-Charge Saket distanced himself from the matter, claiming he was unaware of how the flag came into Dubey’s hands.
The Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession, began at Mushkil Kusha Ali Ground and passed through Sankat Mochan, Basari Darwaza, Chowk Bazaar, and Mahal Tiraha before concluding at Chhatrasal Chowk.
While authorities confirmed that the Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession in Chhatarpur passed off peacefully, reports from across the country painted a contrasting picture during Ganesh Visarjan processions, where incidents of stone-pelting, spitting, and targeted attacks were reported in several states.
Officials in Chhatarpur reiterated that the Eid procession concluded smoothly without any law-and-order disturbances. However, the broader national scenario highlighted the tension: as Muslim religious processions were conducted without disruption, but Ganesh visarjan devotees in multiple regions faced violence and intimidation during their immersion ceremonies.
