Anti-Padmaavat protest spreads across 4 states, school bus attacked in Gurgaon

In anticipation of protests and demonstrations against the release of Padmaavat, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, states across the country remained vigilant and security has been beefed up. Violence has been reported from four states - Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

A school bus was attacked, a state roadways bus was burnt and roads were blocked as protesters took to the streets, demanding that the movie not be screened.

In a video that has surfaced, the protesters can be seen hurling stones at the bus near Sohna Road on Wednesday afternoon.

Out of fear, Gujarat theatre owners have refused to screen the film anywhere in the state. The outfit has already blocked Delhi-Jaipur highway, disrupting the law and order. In Rajasthan, Chittorgarh Fort has been closed as a mark of protest against the release.

Meanwhile, 100 people (members of Karni Sena and people who are supporting them) have been taken into preventive custody by the police across the country.

At least 150 motorcycles were set on fire and several other vehicles parked outside three city malls were damaged on Tuesday by protesters opposing the release of the controversial film 'Padmaavat', police said.

Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh denied reports that bars and pubs have been shut down in the city in the wake of violent protests ahead of the film's release.

"We have already imposed (prohibitory orders under) Section 144 of the CrPC in the city but not directed pubs and bars to shut. All pubs and bars will remain open. The police are undertaking adequate patrolling," Singh said.

Protesters stopped train at Bhuteshwar railway station as a mark of protest against the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's historical drama Padmavaat on January 25.

In Lucknow, Wave multiplex cinema puts up notice saying it has cancelled Wednesday's premiere show of Padmaavat. The notice follows an attempted immolation bid outside it.

Protesters pelt stones at a mall in Meerut allegedly in protest against Padmaavat. Police reach spot to investigate matter.

In Varanasi, Roshan Pandey, the state secretary of Hindu Samaj Party, submitted an application written with his blood to the city magistrate. Even as the Karni Sena burnt effigies outside multiplex, the police drove away many protestors and later arrested a dozen of them.

The Supreme Court had on Thursday paved the way for the nationwide release of 'Padmaavat' on January 25 by lifting the ban on the screening of the film in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court refused to modify its order, rejecting pleas filed by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments.

OneIndia News