Sahil alias Badshah : UP Man Arrested for Waving Palestinian Flag, Police Warn of Potential Hatred

A 20-year-old shopkeeper was apprehended by authorities for allegedly displaying the Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday (July 9).

Two individuals were captured on video carrying the flag during the procession, which took place following the sighting of the Muharram moon and quickly circulated on social media platforms, as reported by the Indian Express.

Following the dissemination of the video, local law enforcement registered a case against the residents, identified as Sahil alias Badshah and Mohammad Gorakh, at the Aurai police station under Section 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration.

“We have taken Sahil alias Badshah, who operates a salon, into custody in connection with the incident. Further examination of the procession video is underway,” stated SHO Sachidanand Pandey to the paper.

The police disclosed that the procession, which occurred in Madho Singh Bazaar on Sunday night, involved individuals reportedly brandishing Palestinian flags and chanting slogans. It was observed that the procession was conducted without prior authorization from the police or other relevant authorities.

Badshah and Gorakh were identified by law enforcement as the individuals carrying Palestinian flags while travelling on a motorcycle during the procession.

India’s Stance on Palestine

India has historically maintained a pro-Palestine stance and was among the early countries to acknowledge Palestine as an independent state. Former minister of state in the external affairs ministry, V. Muraleedharan, recently reaffirmed India’s position in parliament.

“India’s policy towards Palestine has been unwavering and enduring. We have endorsed a negotiated two-State solution for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, coexisting peacefully with Israel,” Muraleedharan stated.

India has strongly denounced the terrorist attacks on Israel and the civilian casualties in the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocating for restraint, de-escalation, and a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.