Bhatkal: Following the victory of the Congress candidate in the Bhatkal-Honnavar Constituency, supporters gathered at the Bhatkal Shamsuddin Circle with green and saffron flags to celebrate the Congress victory. However, pictures from the spot soon went viral across social media platforms with claims that the people were carrying ‘Muslim flags’ and some even claimed that they were carrying Pakistani flags, which could potentially create a communal divide in the region.

Vishnuvardhana N. IPS, Superintendent of Police Uttara Kannada District, has made it clear that the flag used by the supporters was not a Pakistani flag, and it was, in fact, a religious flag that the individuals used at their own discretion. He also added that no complaint was filed or action was initiated in this regard as the officers on the spot had already confirmed it was not a Pakistani flag.

Speaking to Vartha Bharati, SP Vishnuvardhana urged social media users to refrain from spreading rumors and posting sensitive content that could lead to a law and order situation in the region. He said, "It was a religious flag, and it was not a Pakistani flag. We have confirmed it, and we request the social media users not to share any misleading information that could create communal unrest."

Imran Lanka, the Bhatkal Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem’s Political Wing Convener, added that there is nothing called a "Muslim flag" as Islam does not have any official or celebrated flags. He stated that the flag used during the rally of celebration on Saturday was not a Pakistani flag. Only some fringe elements are trying to give a communal twist to the situation by spreading lies. 

According to the reports, some of the Muslim supporters had joined the rally carrying green flags to portray unity among the local Hindus and Muslims as the Hindu supporters had brought saffron flags to the rally. This was in fact meant to indicate that the two communities had played an equal role in ensuring the victory of the Congress candidate.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.

According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.

Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.

Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.

The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.