Lahore: A die-hard Pakistani fan of Indian batsman Virat Kohli is facing up to 10 years in jail after he was arrested for hoisting the Indian tri-colour atop his home in Punjab province which he had done to show his love for the cricketer.
Umar Draz, 22, from Okara district of Punjab province, was produced before a district court after which he was sent to jail on judicial remand. He was arrested on January 26 when India beat Australia in a T20 match and Kohli scored 90 runs, when police raided Draz's home on a complaint that he hoisted the Indian flag on the rooftop of his house. The Police have registered a case under section 123-A of Pakistan Penal Code and 16 Maintenance of Public Order against him. Section 123-A carries maximum punishment of 10 years in jail or fine, or both. The 22 year old tailor pleaded before the judge that he hoisted the Indian flag only for his love for Kohli. “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 also said that he had no idea he committed a crime, and urged the authorities concerned to pardon him as he should be seen as “an Indian cricketer's fan”.
