Thursday, August 18 2005 10:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kochi : An IUML functionary was arrested today in connection with the alleged disrespect shown to national flag by unfurling it below IUML party flag at Muvattupuzha in Kerala's Ernakulam District on Independence Day.

Abdul Hakkem, Muvattupuzha Office Secretary of IUML, had been remanded to judicial custody till August 30, police said.

Earlier in the day, District Collector A P M Mohammed Hanish told PTI that he had authorised the Muvattupuzha DYSP to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and take stringent action as per Sec. 2 of the Prevention of Insult to National Honours Act, 1972.

The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), M I Francis, who conducted preliminary investigation into the incident, filedhis 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."

IUML sources in Muvattupuzha said the national flag had been "inadvertently" hoisted below the party flag. It came to the notice of the district workers only by 4 pm on that day.

While KPCC President, Ramesh Chennithala, told reporters today that it was an 'isolated' incident, BJP and Yuva Morcha leaders have demanded strigent action against those responsbile. Former Union Minister, P C Thomas, also condemned the incident.