Bhopal – In a significant development following a viral video that sparked nationwide outrage, Sub-Inspector Dinesh Sharma of Madhya Pradesh Police has been removed from active duty and transferred to the police lines. The move comes amid an internal inquiry into his conduct after he was caught on video instructing a gym owner in Bhopal’s Ayodhya Nagar locality to ban Muslim trainers and trainees from the premises, reported the Indian Express.
In the widely circulated footage, Sharma is heard telling the gym owner, “No Muslim will come here to give or take training. I have made it clear to you.” His remarks were made in the presence of right-wing activists from Bajrang Dal, who had objected to Muslim trainers working at the facility.
The video prompted strong criticism from political leaders, civil society groups, and journalists, who condemned the blatant display of religious discrimination. Reacting swiftly, senior police officials confirmed that Sharma has been removed from field duties and attached to the police lines pending a formal investigation.
A senior officer stated, “The sub-inspector was deployed to maintain law and order after members of pro-Hindutva organisations gathered at the gym. An inquiry into the incident has been initiated. Until further notice, he has been sent to the police lines.”
The controversy gained further traction when BJP MP from Bhopal, Alok Sharma, backed the cop’s statement, citing fears of “love jihad” and “land jihad”. The MP claimed that a list of Muslim gym trainers was being compiled to prevent such alleged activities and suggested legal action would follow.
However, the MP’s remarks drew widespread backlash. Congress MLA Arif Masood condemned the communal rhetoric, stating that targeting professionals based on religion undermines both constitutional rights and professional integrity. “If someone is qualified, they should be allowed to work. Running a gym is not a crime,” he said.
Observers have noted that this incident is part of a worrying trend of rising Islamophobia and economic exclusion of Muslims, amplified by right-wing groups under various pretexts.
As the inquiry proceeds, civil rights advocates are demanding strict action and clear guidelines to prevent discriminatory policing practices and uphold the principles of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
