Umar Draz, a Pakistani fan of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has been sentenced 10 years of imprisonment after he was arrested for hoisting Indian flag on the terrace of his house. Umar who is 22 years old is a tailor and lives in the Okara district of Punjab province. He is a huge fan of Virat Kohli and hoisted Indian flag just to show his love for the cricketer.
Umar was taken into custody on January 26, the same day on which Indian cricket team defeated Australian team in T20 match and Virat scored 90 runs. Umar was arrested by the police following a complaint that he had hoisted Indian flag on the terrace of his house. He was produced in district court on Wednesday and was sent to jail on judicial remand.
Police has registered case under PPC section 123-A and 16 Maintenance of Public Order. This section has a provision of maximum punishment of up to 10 years or fine or both.
Umar tried to make the judge understand that he was just showing his love for the Indian cricketer. While talking to reporters, he said, “I am a big fan of Virat Kohli. I support the Indian team because of Kohli. Hoisting of Indian flag on the rooftop of house only shows my love for the Indian cricketer.”
In fact, he was unaware that he was committing a crime by hoisting Indian flag, he pleaded to the officials to forgive him since what he did was done as “an Indian cricketer’s fan.”
Police has also seized the Indian flag and poster size photographs of Virat Kohli which were pasted on the walls of Umar’s house.
Cover Image Source: Times Now
