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By APD writer Rishika Chauhan
NEW DELHI, January 24 (APD) - Violence erupted in the provinces of Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday as members of a group called the Karni Sena protested against the release of the Hindi film, Padmaavat.
Protests against the screening of the Hindi film Padmavat
The movie, slated for release on January 25 has invited the ire of many Rajput groups, especially Karni Sena, as they believe that their clan is misrepresented in the film.
On Tuesday night cases of arson were reported from Ahmedabad in Gujarat province as mobs went on a rampage. According to media reports, more than 150 four-wheelers and two-wheelers were damaged.
Still from the movie Padmavat
In Ahmedabad many cases of arson took place around cinema halls in the malls — Acropolis, Ahmedabad One and Himalaya Mall. Many theatre owners in the city have decided to not screen Padmaavat.
A senior police officer informed that the people inside the malls and theatres were safely evacuated and no one was injured in the fire.
Still from the movie Padmavat
“Our priority was to take control of the situation, which was done. We will conduct an investigation and book the miscreants,” said a senior police officer.
Deputy chief minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel said, “The government had put a ban on the release, but following the Supreme Court verdict, its screening cannot be stopped. However, the theatre owners had voluntarily declared that they would not screen it.”
“The government has made an appeal for peace. Action will be taken against lawbreakers,” he added.
Still from the movie Padmavat
Meanwhile, Raj Shekhwat, the Gujarat unit chief of Karni Sena’s said, “The violence is condemnable. Karni Sena is not involved in the incidents.”
As cases of violent protests against the screening of the movie are being reported, the authorities in the provinces of Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Haryana are making special arrangements to combat the situation if the need arises.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
