Virat Kohli fan in Pakistan sentenced to 10 years in jail for hoisting Indian flag

Umar Draz, the ardent Virat Kohli fan who was arrested couple of days back, has been sentenced to 10 years for hoisting the Indian tri-colour atop his home in Punjab Province, Pakistan.

This incident happened on January 26, when Draz waved the Indian flag on the rooftop. His act was not appreciated by his neighbors who filed a formal complaint against him.

Draz, a tailor by profession from Okara district of Punjab province, was produced before a district court yesterday who sent him to jail on judicial remand.

Police raided Draz home on a complaint that he hoisted the Indian flag on the rooftop of his house.

Police registered a case under section 123-A of Pakistan Penal Code and 16 Maintenance of Public Order against him. The section 123-A (acts of damaging the sovereignty of the country) carries maximum punishment of 10 years in jail or fine or both.

Draz pleaded before the judge that he hoisted the Indian flag only for his love for Kohli. Police had sought his physical remand for investigation into the case, however, the judge sent him to jail on judicial remand.

Earlier, talking to reporters, Draz said, “I am a big fan of Virat Kohli. I support the Indian team because of Kohli. Hoisting of Indian flag on the rooftop of house only shows my love for the Indian cricketer.”

He said he had no idea that he committed a crime, urging the authorities concerned to pardon him as he should be seen as “an Indian cricketer’s fan” and not as a “spy”.