Bhopal: Protests intensify against screening of Padmaavat

Bhopal: The protest against screening of film, Padmaavat, intensified all over Madhya Pradesh on Monday. Karni Sena staged protest in Ratlam, Indore and Ujjain. Rajput Samaj, Sanskriti Bachao Manch and other likeminded outfits protested in Bhopal at DB Mall on Monday. Heavy police force was deployed at DB Mall during the demonstration.

The Sanjay Leela Bansali-directed period film is scheduled to be released on January 25. Meanwhile, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh moved the apex court on Monday seeking a recall of its January 18 order by which the controversial film was allowed to be released in theatres across India. Supreme Court will take up the matter for hearing on Tuesday. Karni Sena, an organisation of Rajput community, here staged blockades by burning tyres on roads connecting Ujjain to Nagda, Dewas to Maksi and Agar to Kota.

Manch convener Chandrashekhar Tiwari said, “We have warned the owners of Cineplex and theatres not to screen the film. If they screen, they will be responsible for damage. Film has hurt the sentiments of Hindu communities. We will not tolerate the screening the film.”

Deepak Chauhan of Rajput Samaj said, “We will not allow any theater owner to screen the film. There is resentment against the film in the society.”

State Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha president Dr Ghanshyam Singh Rajput has warned Bhansali against releasing the film.
DIG Dharmendra Chaudhary said that saffron brigade should protest s peacefully. “No one will be allowed to take law in hands. Instruction has been given to maintain the law and order during film’s screening. All possible steps will be taken for security and safety.”