Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, August 19, 2025 – A police constable in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, named Sohail Khan, has been suspended after posting a selfie from a temple during Janmashtami celebrations that sparked controversy. On August 16, 2025, Khan, stationed at Madhuban Bapudham police station, was on duty at a local temple. He shared a video on his WhatsApp status, showing himself inside the temple with an audio clip that reportedly said, “Only Allah is worthy of worship, no one else.” This sparked anger among Hindu groups, who called it disrespectful, especially on a major Hindu festival.
The 18-second video went viral on social media, sparking protests from groups such as the Hindu Raksha Dal. They demanded strict action, saying the post hurt religious sentiments. Ghaziabad police acted quickly, suspending Khan and sending him to police lines while starting a departmental inquiry. Senior officers said such behavior from someone on duty is unacceptable and could stir communal tension.
Khan has not commented publicly, but some posts on X suggest he might claim the audio was misunderstood. Hindu groups, however, are pushing for his dismissal, calling the suspension too light. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s office has been tagged in online demands for tougher punishment. This incident follows a pattern of recent police suspensions in UP for misconduct, showing the state’s strict stance on discipline. For now, the investigation continues, and Hindu groups expecting a fair resolution in the matter.
