UP Police mock drill: Rioters seen with saffron flags, BJP

Rioters in a mock drill of Uttar Pradesh Police were allegedly seen using saffron flags in Allahabad, provoking a row with opposition BJP alleging that the police action was meant to "please" the government. During the mock drill, policemen were learning ways to disperse the rioters who were carrying saffron flags in their hands.

Asked about incident, IG Public Grievances, AM Jain told reporters,"Props are used in mock drill of the police. I am not aware of this particular case. Senior officers were present there during mock drill, they will see to it."

Reacting sharply to the use of saffron flags, BJP spokesman Chandra Mohan said that it was a conspiracy to "malign" those using saffron flags and "please" the government by the state police. "Strict action should be taken against the officers responsible and Home Secretary should issue clarification in this regard as to how such thing could happen," he added.