Nagaon: A school principal in Assam was taken into custody on Sunday after a video showing her folding the national flag in an “improper manner” went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.
The accused, identified as Fatema Khatun, allegedly used her knees while folding the tricolour after lowering it from the school premises. The short clip, which circulated widely online, captured her pulling out the flagpole from the courtyard before placing the flag near her legs and attempting to fold it using her feet.
According to police officials, the incident occurred on Saturday morning when Khatun visited the school alone.
“She had hoisted the flag during Independence Day celebrations on August 15 in the presence of students. However, the next morning, she entered the campus at around 7:30 am and lowered the flag in an objectionable manner,” a senior officer said.
ALSO READ: 2 Meghalaya footballers selected for SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship squad
Preliminary inquiry revealed that locals had criticised her for leaving the flag hoisted overnight after Independence Day, which may have prompted her to visit the school early and remove it.
Following the outrage on social media, police arrested the principal under provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Authorities are continuing the investigation into the matter.
