Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui Faces Backlash for Alleged Disrespect to Maharashtra Police, Promoting Poker in Uniform
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui Faces Backlash for Alleged Disrespect to Maharashtra Police, Promoting Poker in Uniform
Mumbai, India – Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has landed in hot water following a recent advertisement in which he appears dressed as a Maharashtra police officer to promote a poker app. The ad has sparked controversy, with the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti alleging that it tarnishes the reputation of the Maharashtra Police by linking the uniform to gambling. The organization has addressed letters to the Mumbai Police Commissioner and Maharashtra’s Director-General of Police, urging swift action against Siddiqui and Big Cash Poker owner Ankur Singh.
Call for Stringent Action
In response to the ad, Abhishek Murukate, Maharashtra state coordinator for the Surajya Abhiyan, has formally requested the authorities take serious action. His letter cites the Maharashtra Civil Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, and the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, as grounds for disciplinary measures.
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Condemnation
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti expressed strong disapproval, stating, “It is disturbing to see the police department’s image tarnished by an association with gambling. This portrayal is inappropriate as the police actively pursue cases against gambling and similar crimes.” The organization warned that ignoring this matter could lead to further misuse of the police uniform in advertisements, potentially causing public mistrust.
Alleged Disrespect to Law Enforcement
The letter also highlighted disappointment over the lack of immediate police response to the ad, calling it a “harmful and disrespectful portrayal of law enforcement.” The organization has appealed to Maharashtra’s Home Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to intervene. As of now, Siddiqui has not released a statement regarding the controversy.
