'Wave the flag, but don't fold it and put it near bum'

In the controversy surrounding British band Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin's act of ‘desecrating' the Tricolour, Thane-based social activist Binoo Varghese has written to Dr Cherring Dorje (Addl CP, western region), requesting him to file an FIR against Martin and the organisers of Global Citizen Festival 2016.

Also Read: Chris Martin insulted tricolour, alleges NCP's Nawab Malik

Activist Binoo Varghese has written to Addl CP Cherring Dorje regarding Coldplay frontman Chris Martin ‘desecrating' the Tricolour

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Martin and his band have been at the receiving end from a chunk of Indian Twitterati, especially NCP leader Nawab Malik, who is demanding a formal apology over Martin stuffing the Tricolour inside his pocket, after waving it around, during his act. However, no written complaint has yet been filed against Coldplay or the organisers.

Read Story: Advocate alleges Coldplay dishonoured national flag during concert

Varghese, who wrote to Dorje on Monday (a day after the festival), said: "He (Martin) does this regularly at his performances in whichever country he visits. You can wave the national flag, but folding it and putting it near your bum is not correct. As of now, people and politicians are only commenting on social media, stating that this act was wrong, but until a written complaint is filed, no action will be taken."

He said, Dorje, after receiving the letter, had assured him (Varghese) of taking action as per the applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code, and directed zonal DCP Virendra Mishra to accept the letter and investigate the matter further.

When mid-day tried contacting Dorje and Mishra, they were unavailable for comment.