Police starts inquiry into J-K cricketer wearing helmet with Palestine flag, Mehbooba reacts: ‘From the river to the sea…’

As per the provision of Section 173(3) of the BNSS, police officers can conduct a preliminary enquiry with prior permission from an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police in respect to cognizable offenses punishable by three to seven years of imprisonment.

The enquiry has to be completed within 14 days to determine if there is a prima facie case for further investigation. The provision aims to enhance the efficiency of the investigation process while ensuring that police do not act arbitrarily.

Reacting to the news on social media, PDP president and former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a post, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. A flag in the wind, bold and free, From the river to the sea.” She attached an image of the Palestinian flag with her post.

According to sources, during the match against ‘Jammu Trailblazers’ on Wednesday, Furqan Ul Haq, playing for ‘JK11 team’ had come out to bat during the fourth over in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League.

The league, sources said, was organised by one Sajid Bhat, who is also from Kashmir.

Trouble erupted on Thursday after a video on social media went viral purportedly showing Furqan wearing a helmet with a Palestinian flag printed on it.

Furqan, along with the League’s organiser, were summoned by the police for questioning at Domana police station, sources said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, however, maintained it has no role, engagement or association with the tournament, which is not recognised by the association.

This is the second time a cricket league in J&K has landed in controversy. In November, organisers of the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), another privately organised tournament, allegedly left Srinagar without making payments to players, match officials, commentators and the hotel.