Punjab Minister unfurls upside-down flag, 2 cops suspended

Image
Press Trust of India Amritsar
Last Updated : Aug 15 2015 | 7:07 PM IST
In a faux pas, Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majitiha today unfurled the national flag which was upside down during an Independence Day function here and it was only corrected as the event was about the conclude.
Two police personnel responsible for the flag hoisting arrangement were suspended and a magisterial inquiry ordered into the incident as the red-faced officials claimed that flag was in the right position till early morning today and it would be probed if there was a "conspiracy".
Presiding over Independence Day ceremony at Guru Nanak Auditorium, Majithia, who is the state revenue minister, unfurled the national flag. The minister along with Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat and Commissioner Amritsar Police Jatinder Singh Aulakh saluted the national flag which was upside down.
The mistake was not corrected even when Majithia delivered his speech and it was hoisted in the right position only when function was about to conclude.
Asked about the goof-up, Majithia, who is the brother of Union minister Harsimrat Badal and brother-in-law of Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, told reporters that it is the district administration which should answer how it has happened.
Later, officials said two police officials responsible for the flag hoisting arrangement have been suspended while suitable action against Superintendent of Police (Headquarter) was recommended to the state government in this regard.
Amritsar Commissioner of Police Jatinder Singh Aulakh and Deputy Commissioner Amritsar Ravi Bhagat said a magisterial probe has been ordered to find whether there was any "conspiracy" behind the goof-up.
They said the flag was in the right position during rehearsal this morning.
"But it is shocking how the flag was upside down at the time of flag hoisting ceremony," they said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 15 2015 | 7:07 PM IST

Next Story