Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The police logged an FIR against the two persons and arrested one of them for waving a flag of Palestine during the Muharram procession in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi district.
On Tuesday, the police arrested 20-year-old shopkeeper Sahil alias Badshah after lodging an FIR against him and Mohammed Gorakh at the Aurai police station. The case has been filed under Section 197 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which relates to imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration.
The police initiated the action after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
“We have arrested Sahil alias Badshah, who runs a salon. The video of the procession is being examined further,” said SHO Sachidanand Pandey.
As per police, on Sunday night, a few youths took out a procession in Madho Singh Bazaar, during which some of them allegedly carried Palestinian flags and raised slogans. On Monday, a video of the purported procession went viral, prompting the police to register a case. During preliminary inquiry, it was found that no permission had been sought for the procession.
The police justified the FIR saying that the incident could create feelings of hatred and animosity.
However, the police action has faced criticism given the historical support given by the Indian government for the liberation of Palestine. Shaukat Ali, President of AIMIM’s Uttar Pradesh, slammed the Uttar Pradesh police pointing out that Israel’s flag is also being weaved in India. But, no action was taken against those who are waving the Israel’s flag.
“If showing the flag of Palestine is a crime, then doesn’t showing the flag of Israel fall under the category of crime? @Uppolice @dgpup @bhadohipolice Are there two types of laws in one country?,” said Ali.
Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, former chairman of Delhi Minority Commission, also slammed the police describing the police as “shameful” and “unbelievable”.
“Unbelievable! Shameful! Is Palestine an enemy country? UP police must be taken to task for such blatant human rights abuse,” said Khan posting a report on the incident.
