Four FIRs lodged in Pune for pasting Israeli flag stickers on public roads

Pune Police have lodged four first information reports (FIRs) against 10 people for pasting stickers bearing the Israeli national flag on public roads under the jurisdiction of the Kondhwa, Khadak, Samartha and Lashkar police stations.

The FIRs have been lodged under section 153 IPC for showing disrespect to the Israeli flag and disturbing social harmony in the city against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Palestine. According to Pune Police, the FIRs were lodged under Indian Penal Code Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot —if rioting be committed — if not committed) at the four police stations.

DCP (Zone I) Sandeep Singh Gill said two FIRs had been lodged against five persons for pasting Israeli flag stickers on the road. DCP (Zone II) Smartana Patil said four persons had been booked at Lashkar police station for the same offence.

Kondhwa police station in-charge Santonsh Sonawane said unidentified persons have been booked for pasting the Israeli national flag stickers on roads in the area.

Meanwhile, a massive protest against the Israeli attack on Gaza was held in the city on Sunday. Joint commissioner (law and order) Sandeep Karnik could not be reached for his comments.