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Ahead of the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial magnum opus Padmaavat, violent protests and vandalism have been reported in certain areas. Even after the Supreme Court of India’s strict orders to screen the film without any opposition, these protests have continued (although state-imposed bans have been rolled back). Over 35 supporters of Karni Sena, protesting against Padmaavat have been detained in Mumbai, claims a Mumbai Police official, according to PTI. [caption id=“attachment_4316733” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Stills from Padmaavat.[/caption] According to news reports, a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India will hear a plea on Monday (29 January) asking for deletion of scenes from the film. The advance booking for Padmaavat tickets have come to a halt. Provinces like Kosi, Simanchal and East Bihar won’t screen the film, reports stated. The Jagran report also claims that the police is taking stringent measures to ensure law and order in the state is maintained. DGP PK Thakur has given instructions to reinforce patrolling in volatile areas where chances of unrest are high. The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, is based on the saga of the historic 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. The film has been facing protests by the Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the flick. The Supreme Court has earlier paved the way for the all-India release of “Padmaavat” on January 25 and stayed notifications and orders issued by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat – all ruled by the BJP — prohibiting exhibition of the film in their states. (With inputs from PTI)
Padmaavat controversy LIVE: Karni Sena calls for Bharat Bandh; student in Lucknow tries to immolate self
Padmaavat controversy: Massive protests in Sohna Road, Gurugram as fringe elements torch buses; protests continue throughout the country.
 "Padmaavat controversy LIVE: Karni Sena calls for Bharat Bandh; student in Lucknow tries to immolate self")
Ram Nath Kovind’s veiled attack against ‘Padmaavat’ protests
President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday made a veiled attack on the protests against Padmaavat, saying disagreements should not mock a fellow citizen’s dignity and personal space.
The president’s attack in his first Republic Day eve address to the nation came against the backdrop of violence in some states by supporters of Rajput outfit Karni Seva who opposed the release of the Sanjay Leela Bansali-directed film on Thursday.
“A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person’s space, privacy and rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours while celebrating a festival or while resorting to a protest or on any other occasion.
“Where one can disagree with another viewpoint — or even with a historical context — without mocking a fellow citizen’s dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action.”
IANS
Will watch ‘Padmaavat’ with other Rajput leaders: Manish Sisodia
Condemning the attack on a school bus in Gurugram allegedly by Karni Sena supporters on Wednesday over the release of Padmaavat, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday said he will watch the film with Rajput leaders like him and brief the people about it later.
“I am myself a Rajput. I was totally moved because of Wednesday’s incident. This is a criminal act. I invited many Rajput leaders to discuss the recent developments and the violence (centering the movie). We are totally against these acts,” Sisodia told media persons.
“I and many other Rajput leaders will watch Padmaavat Thursday and see what is the reality and then will brief people about the film,” he said.
IANS
Watch: Suraj Pal Amu being taken into custody by Gurugram police
Video courtesy: Sat Singh/101Reporters
Posters being removed from cinema hall in Mirzapur to avoid fringe elements
Image courtesy: Saurabh Sharma/101reporters
Bhupinder Singh Hooda blames BJP govt’s failure for violence in Haryana
Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda alleged that the violence in the state was a result of BJP government’s failure in taking timely steps to take precautionary measures. “First BJP Govenment does not handle situation, then it get people killed by the bullets of police and Army”, Hooda said in Bhiwani of Haryana.
– Sat Singh/101Reporters
Fear shuts out Padmaavat in Bhopal
Image courtesy: PTI
Hope Indians across all states get to watch ‘Padmaavat’, say makers
As “Padmaavat” released in 4,000-plus screens in India, barring a few states, the movie’s makers said the first day response has been overwhelming, but they hope Indians across all states get to watch it.
“We are humbled with the response we have received for ‘Padmaavat’. Over 1 million Indians have already watched the film and occupancy levels for shows are very strong across more than 4,000 screens — with most running housefull. The feedback for the film has been overwhelming,” a Viacom18 Motion Pictures spokesperson said in a statement.
“We are grateful to the government, state authorities, police and our fans for making the opening a stellar success. We are hopeful that every Indian — across all states — will get a chance to see the film especially as we celebrate our great nation’s 69th Republic Day,” the spokesperson added.
Gurugram police says will act against Suraj Pal Singh ‘accordingly’
He (Suraj Pal Amu) has been taken under preventive custody. He will be produced or action will be taken accordingly: Kuldeep Singh, DCP East Gurugram #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/aOrQhGMMy9
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Schools in Gujarat’s Mahisagar district asked not to use Padmaavat songs in Republic Day events
Government schools in Gujarat’s Mahisagar district have been asked not to include programmes based on songs or scenes of the film Padmaavat during the Republic Day celebrations on Friday.
District primary education officer Kishor Jani on Thursday said that schools will organise several cultural programmes on Republic Day.“The schools have been told not to include programmes based on songs and scenes of this film during cultural events to be held on 26 January,” Jani said, adding, “It is a positive step to avoid any controversy.”
He said the suggestion has been made to the schools as there has been a controversy over the film Padmaavat, and some parts of the state have witnessed violence.
PTI
Karni Sena supporters set fire to cars owned by one of them
In an incident which took place on Wednesday, Karni Sena activists reportedly torched a Maruti Swift car belonging to one of them during a protest in Bhopal, reported India Today.
Six people were detained in connection with the incident, according to India Today. A large group of activists then assembled at the MP Nagar police station demanding that a case not be registered.
Padmaavat screened in Punjab, Haryana amid security
“Padmaavat” was screened across Punjab and Haryana on Thursday to a good response from viewers amid tension and security around multiplexes and cinema halls in both the states.
With scores of armed policemen and private guards stationed in and around the multiplexes and cinema halls, most shows reported high to full occupancy.
Haryana director general of police BS Sandhu said in Chandigarh that the film was being screened incident-free in 33 cinema halls across nine districts in Haryana. “No disturbance has been reported from anywhere,” he said.
IANS
Karnataka shutdown delays Padmaavat shows in Bengaluru
The shutdown across Karnataka on Thursday has delayed the screening of “Padmaavat” here as the movie halls remained shut till Thursday evening.
“As a result of the shutdown in the city, multiplexes will remain closed till about 6 pm and the Padmaavat would be screened at a majority of theatres in the city only after that,” the manager of one of the popular cinema halls said.
The 12-hour shutdown is being observed for Mahadayi river water from the neighbouring state of Goa to meet the drinking needs of the people in the state’s four northwest districts of Belagavi, Bagalkote, Dharwad and Hubballi.
IANS
Suraj Pal Amu says he does not support violence
Views about #Padmaavat are not good. History has been distorted, there are scenes which should have been deleted. I am against the film, Sanjay Leela Bhansali should be charged with anti-national activities: Suraj Pal Amu on #PadmaavatRow #KarniSenaExposed pic.twitter.com/2k8XfyoSDF
— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 25, 2018
Suraj Pal Amu held by Gurugram police
#Gurugram Suraj Pal Amu taken into preventive detention #Padmaavat (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/vySMTKXI44
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Watch: Bajrang Dal members burning effigy of Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Ferozabad
Video courtesy: Ajendra Sharma/101 Reporters
PIL filed in Punjab and Haryana HC seeking action against Karni Sena Chandigarh
A PIL was on Thursday filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking action against Karni Sena activists for “disturbing peace” in the wake of the release of “Padmaavat”.
The Sanjay Leela Bansali directed period drama was released across the country today despite opposition from the Rajput outfit and several other organisations.
The PIL, filed by advocate Ranjan Lakhanpal, also sought directions from the court that the governments of those states where incidents of violence and protests took place be held accountable and be asked to pay for damages caused by Karni Sena activists.
PTI
Haryana DGP BS Sandhu statement on screening of Padmavat:
Any cinema owner willing to screen in his theatre can approach through concerned deputy commissioner and he would be provided complete police protection by the state police.
No Karni Sena member or organization was allowed to protest in the state after Wednesday’s violence in Gurugram.
Those protesting or trying to obstruct the screening of Padmavat would be dealt with strict action.
Around 31 persons have been arrested and four FIRs have been registered in relation to the protest regarding the movie.
No untoward incident has been reported from the cities or cinema halls where the movie is being screened.
Suraj Pal Ammu, who put Rs 10-crore bounty on Padmavati makers, is not being allowed to move out of his residence.
– Sat Singh/101 Reporters
Bihar Police says protests in state ‘done within law’ so far
Police HQ issued detailed guidelines to police force, clearly stating protection to be provided to people screening & watching #Padmaavat. So far protests have been done within the law. If there's an untoward incident we'll take action: Sanjeev Kumar Singhal, ADG (HQ), Bihar pic.twitter.com/EVOGKJHXeY
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Mumbai Karni Sena chief detained
#BREAKING -- Ajay Singh, President of Karni Sena in Mumbai, detained by police. #IWillSeePadmaavat #PadmaavatRow #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/8G8EFWUjnh
— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 25, 2018
60% occupancy for Padmaavat in Delhi theatres for first show
Occupancy for #Padmaavat in Delhi theatres for first show at 9am around 60pc, in Mumbai 40-45pc; response positive, says Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India member.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 25, 2018
‘Padmaavat’ opens in Kolkata, shows running smoothly
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial film ‘Padmaavat’ opened in 129 theatres in and around Kolkata on Thursday, a spokesperson of the movie distributor
said.
‘Padmavaat’ shows are running smoothly everywhere in the city with no sign of protest anywhere, a police officer said, adding that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place.
“The film is running in 129 theatres, including single-screens and multiplexes, in Kolkata and its surrounding areas and there is no report of any disruption as yet,” the spokesperson of SVF, the distributor of the film, said.
“In many auditoriums, the shows are running houseful while the response has been good in others,” she said.
PTI
Rajasthan home minister says law and order ‘peaceful’ in state
Law&order situation is peaceful across the state. Only 2 minor incidents have been reported in Jalore& Udaipur. If multiplexes ask for protection we'll certainly give it to them.Appeal people to protest peacefully, not take law into their hands: Rajasthan Home Minister #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/Wrp5NdVovO
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Watch: Kshatriya Mahasabha announces Rs 51 lakh bounty for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s head
Video courest: Yogesh Bharadwaj/101reporters
Gurgaon school bus stone pelting ‘isolated incident’, says Haryana Police
At a press conference on Thursday, Haryana Police said, “As per Supreme Court’s order, Padmaavat has been released in nine cities in Haryana, which included Gurgaon, Faridabad, Hissar, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Rohtak, Sonipat, Rewadi. Thirty three cinema halls have been screening the movie without any interruption.”
Calling the stone pelting on a school bus in Gurugram an “isolated incident”, the police said. “Unfortunately, there was a school bus incident Gurugram. About 18 people have been arrested. Considering the offences against them, it will be difficult for them to get bail.”
The police said that police protection has been provided to cinema halls. “If anybody takes part, strict action will be taken against them. We assure the filmmakers that protection we will provided to you,” he said. A total of 54 police companies have been deployed.
Home ministry sources says two states have approached Centre for help
MHA is keeping a track of incidents around release of #Padmaavat and is in touch with all states over security measures. So far two states have asked for help from Central Govt: Sources Ministry of Home Affairs
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
Thane theatre cancels late night and early morning show timings due to lack of police protection
At Cinepolis multiplex in Thane’s Viviana mall, Thursday’s night shows that were to start after 9:30 pm and Friday’s shows that were to start before 9:30 am have been cancelled as during this period, the mall won’t have police protection. Police force will be deployed for the Republic Day celebrations.
This is to be noted that despite no semblance of threat, the multiplex has been cautious to screen the movie without police protection.
– Debdutta Mohanty/101Reporters
Bihar: Visuals from protests in Motihari
Bihar: Members of an organisation staged a protest against #Padmaavat in Motihari. pic.twitter.com/RUgXyGbu7S
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018
BSP supremo Mayawati holds BJP government responsible for violence
Image procured by Saurabh Sharma/ 101reporters
Watch: Karni Sena supporters forces shop to shut in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas
Video courtesy: Hitesh Sharma/101 reporters
Kshatriya Mahasabha offers Rs 1 crore bounty for actress Deepika Padukone’s ears, nose
Kshatriya community will contribute & give the person a reward of Rs 1 Crore who chops off Deepika Padukone's ears and nose: Gajendra Singh, President Kshatriya Mahasabha (24.1.2018) #Padmaavat pic.twitter.com/OP9R4EmaG1
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) January 25, 2018
Watch: Madhya Pradesh: Karni Sena takes out rally in Dewas
Video courtesy: Hitesh Sharma/101 reporters
Rajput leaders in Junaghad’s Manavadar taluka seek ban on film
Junaghad’s Manavadar taluka in Gujarat closes shops in support of bandh. Rajput leaders Vikramsigh Chavda and Mahendrasigh Chavda from Junaghad led a rally and submitted a memorandum demanding ban of the film to the mamlatdar.
– Binita Parikh/101 Reporters
Why is Centre silent on violence, asks Congress’ Priyanka Chaturvedi
Congress’ Priyanka Chaturvedi on Thursday lashed out at the BJP government over the law and order issue in the country. She said, “The question is not about Karni Sena. When you are confronted with a situation like this, where people especially children suffer… What happens to you? They (BJP) should be ashamed of themselves that they continue to play politics over these issues.”
Chaturvedi hit out at the ministry and broadcasting industry. “When Smriti Irani can tweet about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s daily schedule, couldn’t she have discussed the problem with the protestors. The things you could’ve avoided, you separated yourself from them and have instead encouraged the protests,” she said.
“The question is not about Congress but about country’s law and order. Either resign or take responsibility, she added.
Tyres burnt on highway in Becharaji
Becharaji, is famous for the temple of eunuchs. Tyres were burnt on a highway in support of the bandh in Gujarat.
– Binita Parikh/101 reporters
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