Drunk babu dozes off, flag flies after sunset

In a case of outright disrespect to the national flag, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) left the Tricolour flying even after sunset on Sunday. It was only after a social worker complained about it late in the evening, the flag was brought down by the authorities concerned. 

“The person authorized to bring down the flag at sunset was said to have dozed off after he got drunk,” said an officer from Virar police station. 

Social worker Altaf Mohammed Hussain, 48, informed the police about the incident immediately after he noticed the flag flying on the main building of VVMC. It was brought down at 11.30pm after a senior police officer informed the civic chief about it.

“The babus in the civic body are careless and they don’t seem to respect the Tricolour,” said Hussain.

“We have registered a case under section 2 of the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1971 and will arrest the person responsible for the incident,” said BL Rokade, investigation officer, Virar police station.

Acting VVMC chief Govind Rathod was busy at Mantralaya for official work and did not comment on the issue.