Padmavati row: Cops warn miscreants of stern action in Maharashtra
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Mumbai:While the controversy around Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ continues to simmer, Mumbai police has issued a statement that it will not tolerate any form of violence against the cast and crew of the film and will take strict action against those who attempt to create law and order problems.
“Mumbai Police does not interfere with protests which are conducted in a democratic manner. But any individual or group that attempts to be adventurous will be dealt with sternly and will face strict legal action,” warned Deven Bharti, joint police commissioner, law and order, on Friday.
The period drama, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, has run into a virtual storm for allegedly taking liberties with historical facts. The Rajput Karni Sena had earlier demolished the sets of the movie in Jaipur and assaulted Bhansali. On Wednesday, the Rajput Karni Sena called for a Bharat Band on December 1, when ‘Padmavati’ was due for release. Rajput groups and Mewar royals have threatened to stall the launch. On Thursday, a Meerut-based Thakur leader offered a Rs 5 crore reward to anyone who beheads Bhansali and Padukone.
This week, police provided protection to Bhansali perceiving a threat to his life. A police van has also been stationed outside Bhansali’s home to avoid untoward incidents.
“We are committed to providing security to everyone, individually or collectively, and have taken adequate measures for protection of individuals who have received threats. We assure them that we will not allow miscreants to create any problem and they can indulge in their routine activities without any fear,” said Bharti.