On Friday, August 16, a local man was taken into custody in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly displaying a Palestinian flag during a Tiranga Rally on August 15, Indias 78th Independence Day. The arrest follows a controversial incident where a video surfaced online showing the individual waving the Palestinian flag amidst the rally participants. This action provoked strong reactions from local Hindu leaders.The man, identified as Rashid alias Munna, was apprehended by authorities from a location near Purva Ahiran. According to a district police spokesperson, a case was filed under Section 197(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with imputations prejudicial to national integration. The police confirmed Munnas arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.मेरठ में देर रात मुस्लिम समुदाय के लोगों ने हिंदू समुदाय की यात्रा पर पथराव किया...#UttarPradesh #Meerut #UPPolice #Hindu #Muslim #Nedricknews @Uppolice @meerutpolice @dgpup pic.twitter.com/OWVcfGSttn— Nedrick News (@nedricknews) August 17, 2024Bhopal Incident:In a separate incident, a 40-year-old man was arrested in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, for displaying a Palestinian flag outside his tailoring shop on Independence Day. Haneef Khan, the accused, was taken into custody following complaints from local BJP and RSS leaders. The flag was prominently displayed alongside the Indian Tricolor, which led to allegations of disrespect towards the national flag.Inspector Narendra Singh Thakur of Gautam Nagar Police Station reported that Khan was charged under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Khan was remanded in judicial custody after being presented before the Assistant Commissioner of Police. Local authorities responded after Khan had adorned his shop with a mix of saffron, white, and green balloons but also displayed the Palestinian flag.
