Posted on 17 December 6:46 IST
Kannauj: A Muslim traffic sub inspector in Uttar Pradesh has been sent to line duty after a social media video triggered protests by right wing groups.
The officer, Afaq Khan, serves as a traffic sub inspector in Kannauj. He has a large social media following, with reels focused on road safety and traffic awareness. A recent video sparked controversy after it showed him addressing schoolgirls during a safety session at Adarsh Inter College.
During the interaction, Afaq Khan referred to a religious phrase while speaking about respect and value for daughters. He had mentioned the name of Prophet Mohammed Pbuh during his interaction. The incident relates to a traffic awareness programme held on December 9, 2025, at Adarsh Inter College in the Tathiya area of Kannauj district. During the session, Afaq Khan addressed students on safety issues. A video from the event later circulated on social media, with allegations of religious remarks during the interaction.
Office bearers of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal met Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar and submitted a written complaint. The groups objected to any religious references during an official programme in a school, while the officer was in uniform. They demanded departmental action.
On Monday, protestors reached the Superintendent of Police office and raised slogans. When the SP Vinod Kumar asked Afaq Khan to appear, officials found he had taken three days of leave. After this, the police department placed him on line duty.
Police officials said the step followed standard procedure while reviewing complaints. The officer had attended the school program as part of a traffic safety awareness effort. Protestors claimed police uniform use during duty hours requires strict neutrality. They demanded action against the officer. The police department has not announced further disciplinary steps so far. The matter remains under internal review.
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
