Last night, a state transport corporation bus was vandalised by a group of eight to 10 men in Barola village amid tension of Padmaavat’s release.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made, especially around malls, multiplexes and cinemas to prevent violence in GB Nagar.
“An Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) bus going towards Sector 37 with dozens of passengers was attacked by miscreants at the traffic signal adjacent to Radha Swami Park in Barola village. They broke the windows and glasses of the bus with sticks and stones. Nobody was reported injured and the perpetrators fled the scene quickly. A case has been booked under relevant sections of the IPC against unknown men,” said Pankaj Pant, station house officer, Sector 49 police station.
The police, however, are yet to ascertain whether or not the men were associated with the Karni Sena. “Prima facie, it appears to be an attack by fringe elements. We are probing all angles,” said AK Singh, superintendent of police (city).
In the wake of widespread protests by Karni Sena against the release of Padmaavat, security has been beefed up in the GB Nagar district, especially around entertainment hubs.
"We have made enough arrangements for security across the district, especially in the areas around the theatres. Security around DLF Mall and GIP has been strengthened. We have chalked out the places where law and order can be interrupted,” said Suniti Singh, superintendent of police (rural), GB Nagar.
“Members of this outfit have been flaring tension across the nation, but it is our duty to maintain peace. We will book anyone we find disturbing the peace. We will ensure the movie's screening is held peacefully across the district,” Singh added.
“We are increasing patrolling in the city and have asked for additional police deployment at various public places, not only in malls. District administration officials and police personnel are visiting trouble spots. We are on the lookout for the group involved and will keep a check on all vulnerable spots in the city,” said another senior police official.
The Karni Sena, which has vowed to stop the film's release alleging that it has distorted history and showed legendary Rajput Queen Rani Padmini in poor light, also approached the court.
The Central Board of Film Certification and the Supreme Court, however, have cleared the movie's screening and requested the state government to look after the law and order in the state.
Karni Sena members have issued open threats to cinema hall owners.
“We have received letters from various theaters requesting security so that no violence occurs inside the theaters. We are trying our best to keep a check on the entire district, as Republic Day is also nearing. The administration has already enforced Section 144," Singh assured.
A Greater Noida mall has cancelled Padmaavat screening, fearing repercussions.
