Shahzad not Sonu? Man posing as Hindu sadhu caught begging in Shamli; Social media and UP police reacts

A video circulating on social media has stirred up controversy in Vedkheri village, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district, where a man dressed in saffron clothes was reportedly seen begging. What has caught public attention, however, is the claim that the man is not who he appears to be. The viral video alleges that he is a Muslim man named Shahzad, posing as a Hindu sadhu under the name Sonu Upadhyay.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Singh, the Jhinjhana police have taken up the matter and are currently investigating the authenticity of the video and the claims being made.

“A video with the claim that one Shahzad was begging wearing saffron clothes and posing as Sonu Upadhyay has gone viral on social media,” Singh confirmed in a statement on Friday.

Police investigation underway

The police have acknowledged the matter and are looking into various aspects of the case. One of the key areas of investigation, as shared by the officer, will be to determine whether the individual was involved in any illegal activity while posing as a Hindu ascetic.

“It will also be probed whether he was indulging in any illegal activities under the garb of begging,” said ASP Singh.

Authorities are expected to verify the man’s true identity, check for any prior criminal records, and question him about his reasons for wearing the saffron clothes and using a different name.

Public reaction and communal sensitivity

Given the religious and social sensitivity around such issues in the region, the video has triggered strong reactions from both locals and social media users.

While some have called for strict legal action if the man was found impersonating a religious figure, others have urged caution, saying that viral videos can often misrepresent facts.

Inputs from agencies