Bengaluru, 17 August

Congress on Monday lodged a complaint against Karnataka BJP MLC N Ravikumar, alleging that he disrespected the national flag during an Independence Day ceremony at the BJP office in Bengaluru.

The complaint was submitted at Malleswaram police station by Kushal Haruvegowda, vice-president of the Bengaluru West District Congress Committee, along with other party functionaries. Police said the complaint was received, but no FIR had been registered so far.

According to the complaint, BJP leaders, including Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, stood in respect of the national anthem and flag during the flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15.

Ravikumar, however, allegedly did not salute the national flag and instead stood in a posture resembling the manner of saluting at an RSS shakha, the Congress alleged.

The party said Ravikumar, who has undergone RSS training, had thereby allegedly shown disrespect to the national anthem and national flag.

The Congress has sought immediate legal action, registration of a case and an investigation into the alleged incident.

Police said further action would depend on the complaint and preliminary examination.