Saharanpur: A contract worker with the Uttar Pradesh electricity department in Saharanpur has been dismissed from service for allegedly waving a Palestine flag after Eid prayers, officials said on Sunday. The termination followed the circulation of photographs on social media showing the worker holding the flag.
The individual, identified as Saqib Khan, was employed at the Kailashpur powerhouse. According to officials, he waved the Palestine flag after offering 'namaaz' on March 31 during the Eid celebrations.
Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar stated that the department considered Khan's action to be "anti-national" and responded swiftly. "Saqib Khan, a contract worker in the Kailashpur powerhouse, waved a flag of Palestine after offering 'namaaz' on Eid and posted a picture of it on social media," Kumar said. "When the matter came to the department's notice, it was considered an anti-national activity, and immediate action was taken. A letter was sent to the contract company concerned, directing them to remove Khan from service."
The electricity department has asked the contract company to confirm the termination and ensure the action is executed without delay.
This incident follows similar action taken against eight other individuals in Saharanpur who were seen waving Palestine flags and raising slogans in a video that also circulated widely online. Authorities are working to identify other individuals involved in the act using available footage and have indicated that legal proceedings will follow.
Superintendent of Police (City) Vyom Bindal had earlier said on March 31 that the police had taken cognizance of a video shared on social media showing several young men waving the flag of another country after Eid prayers. The incident took place near the Ambala Road Eidgah. "The matter is being investigated, following which further action will be taken," he said, adding that police had intervened on the spot and removed the flags promptly.
With PTI inputs