Assam school principal arrested after video shows her folding national flag with legs

The principal, identified as Fatema Khatun, was captured on video lowering the flag and removing it from the flagpole in the courtyard of Gopinath Dev Goswami High School, according to a Times of India report.

She was then seen placing the tricolour on her feet while attempting to fold it with her knees.

The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing strong criticism.

According to Khatowal police station OC, Sanjib Bor, Khatun had gone to the school alone on Saturday morning, where she lowered the flag in what they described as an “objectionable manner.”

Officers said, “She had hoisted the flag in the presence of students on August 15 (Independence Day), but on Saturday she came alone at around 7:30 am, opened the school gate, and lowered the flag, after locals in the area had criticised her for keeping the national flag hoisted on Friday night.”

Khatun was arrested in Nagaon district under provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

She has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by Nagaon CJM court, officials confirmed.