Jammu and Kashmir police has ordered an inquiry after a video on social media showed a Kashmiri cricketer wearing a helmet with a logo of the Palestinian flag during a private tournament in Jammu.The cricketer was allegedly seen wearing a helmet displaying a palestinina flag symbol during a privately organised cricket match in Jammu, officials said.
The controversy broke Wednesday after the cricketer Furqan strode in to bat at Jammu and Kashmir Champions League in Muthi, around 10km from Jammu city, for his team JK Eleven Kings with the flag emblazoned on his helmet. Some players of the rival team Jammu Trail Blazers raised strong objections, leading Furqan’s team to send him back and oust him from the match.
Taking note of the matter, police initiated a time-bound preliminary inquiry at Domana Police Station to ascertain the factual position. Officials said the inquiry will examine the circumstances under which the helmet was worn, the intent behind it, and whether the act violated any legal provisions.
Police clarified that a preliminary inquiry is a procedural step and does not automatically translate into the registration of a criminal case. “The objective is to establish facts and assess whether further legal action is required,” an official said, adding that the inquiry will be conducted strictly as per law.
On Friday, the police issued a statement confirming a preliminary inquiry to “ascertain the facts” Furqan’s “intent, background and any possible linkages”. The 14-day preliminary inquiry under Section 173(3) BNSS has been ordered given the sensitivity of the matter and its potential public order implications, the statement added. Furqan and the private organisers of the tournament were later called to Jammu’s Domana police station for the inquiry.
Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) distanced itself from the controversy, maintaining that the tournament was a private event and not recognised by it. “JKCA has nothing to do with this. It involves local players. The issue, however, triggered political reactions after a senior political leader from Jammu and Kashmir shared her views on social media, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
While PDP and some other parties are said to be backing the Pulwama youth, BJP condemning the act as an attempt to incite separatism. BJP MLA RS Pathania called for strict action against the cricketer and the organisers of the match, saying such deeds “emanating from Kashmir only promotes separatism The post generated significant online discussion, with supporters and critics engaging in sharp exchanges.
However, police officials maintained that political reactions or social media debates would have no bearing on the inquiry. “Law enforcement functions independently. Our focus is limited to facts, legality, and maintaining public order,” a senior officer said.
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