Wednesday, August 17 2005 13:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kochi: A controversy is brewing over the alleged disrespect shown to the National tricolor by unfurling it below the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) party flag at Muvattupuzha in Kerala's Ernakulam district on the Independence day, with the District Collector ordering detailed inquiry into the incident.

The Collector, A P M Mohammed Hanish, told sources today (Aug 17, 2005) that the (DYSP), Muvattupzuha, C A Dominique, has been authorized to conduct a detailed a inquiry and take stringent action as per sec 2 of the Prevention of Insult to National Honors Act, 1972.

Earlier, the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), M I Francis, who conducted preliminary investigation into the incident, had filed his report yesterday stating that prima facie the national flag had been unfurled below the IUML party flag in front of the league office on August 15.

One or two party workers could be involved in the incident and efforts were being made to identify them, the Collector said.

The IUML sources in Muvattupuzha said the national flag had been inadvertently unfurled below the party flag.

The incident came to the notice of the district workers only by 4PM on that day.

KPCC President, Ramesh Chennithala, told reporters today that it was an 'isolated' incident. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Yuva Morcha leaders have demanded stringent action against those responsible for the incident.

Former Union Minister, P C Thomas, also condemned the incident.