City Reports

Over 300 people detained during protests against Padmavati

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February 1, 2018, 11:43 am

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Padmavati Controversy

Padmavati ban in Jaipur.

Jaipur: About 304 people were detained and later released in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh on Sunday during a protest against Bollywood film Padmavati. Those detailed for disrupting peace included 20 women. The film directed by  director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been in the eye of the storm for a while now.

Om Prakash, the Chittorgarh police station SHO, stated that the locals held a protest rally from Padanpole to the collector’s office but the police prevented them and 304 persons were arrested including 20 women. He also said that action was initiated under Section 129 of CrPC (Dispersal of assembly by use of civil force). The people that were detained were taken to the Indira Gandhi stadium before being released. According to the SHO, the protest was peaceful and security arrangements were in place for maintaining the law and order in the region.

Ironically, Chittor was the same place that witnessed the battle between Delhi Emperor Alauddin Khilji and Rajput king Ratan Singh. In the film, Ranveer Singh plays Khilji while Shahid Kapoor plays the role of Ratan Singh. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has directed this mega movie which stars Deepika Padukone in the lead role of queen Padmavati.

Protests against the film have been on at Chittorgarh Fort for 18 days. The protesters on Sunday first offered flowers to a picture of queen Padmavati and then started their protests at 12.30 pm. There were people from several organizations who had gathered at the venue. The protesters also hanged an effigy of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee who has recently spoken in favor of the film. Effigies of Bhansali, Deepika, and Salman Khan were also placed at the entrance of the fort.

The protesters have demanded a nationwide ban on the film and also want it to be banned in the UK. They have also issued a warning that they will stop tourists from entering the Chittorgarh fort if no action is taken the film. The railway service could also be affected according to these protesters. It remains to be seen when this controversy against one of the most anticipated film ends.

First published: November 27, 2017