Hindi News

Padmaavat Row: Rs 1-Crore Bounty For Deepika Padukone’s Nose, Ears; 18 Arrested For School Bus Attack

Padmaavat’s title was changed, disclaimers were put out, Deepika Padukone’s midriff was covered, dialogues were punctuated with Rajput pride, film critics said that Rajput honour is not the problem but the regressive narrative is, but all this to no avail. The violence, vandalism and threats continue unabated, even a school bus full of children was not spared.

It was mayhem in Haryana when a school bus carrying children and staff was damaged by a mob protesting against Padmaavat. Though no one was injured, angry protesters pelted stones at the bus. So far, 18 people have been arrested in this regard.

Few police personnel on the Gurugram-Alwar National Highway were injured after the mob pelted stones on them. A Haryana Roadways bus was also set ablaze. It has led to panic among the residents of Gurugram and NCR. Meanwhile, multiplex owners in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa have refused to screen the film due to security concerns. The DGP of Haryana said that so far the situation has remained peaceful and all the theatres have been given adequate security.

Several politicians have condemned the attack on the school bus and slammed the central and state governments for their lack of action. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanded strong action against the culprits and said “it was a matter of shame.”

Meanwhile, a contempt petition was filed against the Karni Senas and four states – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana – in the Supreme Court stating that the four states have failed to comply with the court order and maintain law and order.

Multiplexes in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have refused to screen the film. Latest to join the list is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who banned the film in the state.

The protests over Padmaavat has turned into a political slugfest with members of the ruling party and the Opposition taking potshots at each other. “It opens old wounds, and that is why such films should not be made. what is the historical value of it? Zero,” said BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat called for a total ban on the film. Adding to the turmoil, the Kshatriya community has announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore for Deepika’s ears and nose.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadanvis said that the attack on school bus was “very serious but there are also incidents which are blown out of proportion.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Meanwhile, in Pakistan the movie is set for its release. Padmaavat has received a smooth clearance to be screened in Pakistan.

Read Silverscreen’s review of Padmaavat.

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