Screening of Baghi prohibited in Punjab

Chandigarh, Dec 13 (UNI) Punjab government has directed local authorities to take stringent measures to ban screening of ''Baghi'' in cinema halls and video parlours to maintain communal harmony, peace and tranquility in the state.

The directive came in the wake of some Dalit organisations taking strong exception to the controversial Punjabi film alleging that it contained ''defamatory language'' and ''objectionable'' scenes showing people of the reserved categories in bad taste.

Some Dalit organisations, which have held protests against the movie in various parts of the state, were demanding that a criminal case under the Prevention of Atrocity on SC/ST Act should be slapped by the authorities against film producer Gaj Deol, director Sukhwinder Dhanjal, storywriter Sardar Sohi and distributor Kumar Films.

The government has asked all the District Magistrates to ensure the suspension of the film in their areas and asked for a report on the matter as it felt that the controversy over the movie could snowball into violent clashes at some places.

UNI JN MSJ BST1729