Police have registered a case against three Muslim men for allegedly displaying a Palestinian flag atop a cutout being erected for Eid-e-Milad celebrations in RML Nagar, Shivamogga.
The accused have been identified as Nihal alias Bekku, Umar and Abrahar. According to the FIR, the three allegedly climbed onto the structure near Bharathi Sabha Bhavan on August 24, displayed the Palestinian flag and recorded the act. The video was later circulated on Instagram.
Doddapet police registered a suo motu case after the video came to their attention.
Men Booked Under BNS Sections
Police booked the three under Sections 353(2), 196(1) and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The provisions relate to statements or acts allegedly capable of causing public mischief, promoting enmity between communities and assertions prejudicial to national integration.
According to police, the manner in which the flag was displayed and the subsequent circulation of the video had the potential to create tension between communities and disturb public order.
As of Thursday, Nihal alias Katkut alias Bekku had been taken into custody for questioning, while police were searching for Umar and Abrahar. The investigation is underway.
Social Media Users Question Police Action
The case has triggered criticism on social media, with several users questioning whether displaying a Palestinian flag should attract criminal charges.
Some users argued that expressing solidarity with Palestinians does not, by itself, constitute a crime under Indian law. India has historically supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and has maintained diplomatic relations with Palestine for decades.
“Since when did solidarity with oppressed people become a crime?” one user on X wrote, questioning the police action.
Another user asked, “Under which law is it a crime?” and referred to India’s long-standing position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
A third user questioned the use of provisions relating to communal enmity, asking, “What is the crime in raising the Palestinian flag? How will it lead to enmity between groups?”
Police Say Investigation Is Continuing
Police have maintained that the case is not solely about displaying the Palestinian flag. They said the manner in which it was displayed, the recording of the act and its circulation on social media are also part of the investigation.
The allegations against the three men have not been established in court. Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing police investigation.
