Controversy Erupts Over Palestinian Flags at Dumka Muharram Procession

The Jharkhand police have launched an investigation into videos purportedly showing youths waving Palestinian flags during a Muharram procession in Dumka district. The videos, which went viral on social media, depict youths waving the flags atop a vehicle and raising slogans at Dudhani Chowk.

'We are investigating these videos. We will take action if they are genuine,' Sub Divisional Police Officer of Dumka, Vijay Kumar Mahto, told PTI.

BJP state president Babulal Marandi shared one such video on X, labeling the act as a 'Talibani mentality' and criticizing it as part of the Hemant Soren government's 'Muslim appeasement' policy. He claimed that the incident was an attempt to spread fear among the local population and accused the government of settling Bangladeshi infiltrators to secure votes.

BJP MP from Godda, Nishikant Dubey, also demanded a probe by the Ministry of Home Affairs and NIA, calling the flag-waving an act of treason. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad warned of calling for a Dumka bandh if no action was taken.

(With inputs from agencies.)