Impropriety mars Belagavi flag hoisting ceremony

In a major faux pas, the tricolour did not unfurl as expected at the official flag hoisting ceremony in Belagavi, on Wednesday. The flag had to be lowered, knot loosened, and hoisted back again. And the national anthem was playing while the flag was being lowered.

The impropriety occurred during the 72nd Independence Day celebrations organised by the Belagavi administration at the district stadium.

The district in-charge minister Ramesh Jarkiholi attempted to hoist the flag as per protocol. Despite his repeated attempts by tugging the thread, the tricolour did not unfurl.

Subsequently, police officials lowered the flag and Superintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar Reddy intervened and released the knot. After releasing the knot, the tricolour was re-hoisted.

At a time when the national anthem was playing, the tricolour was being lowered and not hoisted.

A large number of guests, dignitaries, students and public gathered there, were stunned by the unseemly incident.

Deputy Commissioner S Ziyaullah, Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Alok Kumar, Police Commissioner D C Rajappa, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Seema Latkar were seen saluting the tricolour till the re-hoisting was done.