YouTuber and associate booked in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur for national flag desecration

Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a 25‑year‑old YouTuber and his associate for allegedly desecrating the Indian national flag , officials said on Monday. The action comes after a video circulated on social media showing the duo’s controversial conduct toward the flag, drawing strong public reaction and legal scrutiny.

The accused has been identified as Sanjay Yadav, also known as “Sattu,” a resident of Maheshganj who runs a YouTube channel under the name Sanjay Sultanpuri . According to a complaint lodged by Sub‑Inspector Krishna Kumar Tiwari of the Dhammaur police station , the video posted on Yadav’s channel showed the tricolour’s green band replaced with blue , a modification widely flagged as disrespectful to the national symbol.

In the same footage, one of Yadav’s associates was seen using the national flag to wipe a motorcycle and then discarding it , an act that prompted outrage online and was cited in the police complaint as an insult to the nation’s honour.

Acting on the complaint, the Dhammaur police invoked provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 , under which disrespecting the flag can attract prosecution. Dhammaur Station House Officer Vipendra Kumar Verma confirmed the FIR and said the case has been handed to Sub‑Inspector Jamil Ahmed for detailed investigation.

Police teams conducted a raid at Yadav’s residence but did not find him or his associate, both of whom are reported to be absconding . Authorities have said that a search is underway to locate and arrest them, and that they will face legal action once apprehended . Officials also noted that incidents involving national symbols tend to trigger widespread public and legal response, especially when shared widely on social media platforms.