Palestinian flags hoisted in Bilaspur, 5 arrested

Bilaspur | Correspondent: Five individuals have been arrested by the police in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, in connection with the alleged hoisting of a Palestinian flag. Authorities have stated that the investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Flags were displayed in the areas of Khudiram Bose Chowk in the Tarbahar area.

In a video showing the Palestine flags in the area was circulated online, which sparked outrage among members of the Hindu Jagran Manch.

Members of Hindu organizations protested against the act further leading to staging of demonstrations outside the Tarbahar police station on Tuesday.

Tarbahar Station In-Charge Gopal Satpathy reported that Palestinian flag was hoisted near Khudiram Bose Chowk.

Upon receiving a complaint, the police arrived at the scene, removed, and confiscated the flag. The committee members were instructed to provide information about the incident.

A total of 16 individuals were detained, out of which 5 have been arrested.

A case was registered against all of them under Section 197 (2) of the Indian Penal Code.

However, late in the evening, all these five people were granted bail by the local court.

What is Section 197 (2)

The main purpose of Section 197 (1) is to protect the sovereignty and integrity of India. If a person, by speaking, writing, by signs or by electronic communication, says that people of a particular class (such as on the basis of religion, caste, language or region) cannot bear true loyalty to the Constitution of India, then he will be guilty under this section.

If this crime is committed at a religious place or during a religious ritual, then the punishment becomes more severe. Under Section 197 (2), the offender can face imprisonment of up to five years and fine. It ensures that no person can spread division in the society by misusing religious occasions.