A Surat-based property dealer was today arrested for allegedly insulting the national flag by draping his dog in the tricolour at a public event held on Republic Day, police said.

Bharat Gohil, 40, was arrested on a complaint by Aziz Cyclewala but was released on bail later in the day, said inspector G A Sarvaiya of Umra police station.

Gohil had taken his canine to participate in the 'Pet Run' organised on January 26 near Kargil Chowk area of the city. Atthe event, he came with his dog draped in the tricolor, the inspector said.

Preliminary inquiry officer in the case Dala Katarasaid Cyclewala, who was also present during the event, had filed a complaint with the police, which found the action offensive.

The complaint was lodged yesterday after the photos of Gohil with his canine draped in the tricolour went viral on social media.

"We arrested Gohil under relevant sections of Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. He was released on bail today itself," said Sarvaiya.

Gohil pleaded with the police that he was not aware of the law and not intentionally, the PIO said.