In what could be seen as a major crackdown by police to put a lid on the vandalism unleashed by Karni workers against the release of the controversial Padmaavat, the UP chief of the outfit, Thakur Karan Singh, was arrested today from Kasna area of Greater Noida following a tip off.
"Singh was named in one of the FIRs for vandalising the toll plaza at the DND Flyway on January 21. Today, we got a tip off that he is trying to escape the city. We laid out a trap for him and he was subsequently arrested," confirmed Suniti Singh, superintendent of police (rural), GB Nagar.
The SP added, “Singh played an active role in mobilising people during protests in the region on Sunday when the protesters vandalised the DND toll plaza. Singh was wanted under several Sections of the IPC, especially for rioting and stirring mischief with the intent to cause damage.”
“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," she continued. Greater Noida News
In fact, various theatres requested for beefed-up security, with the release of the movie today. To avoid unnecessary attention, no theatre has put up posters of the movie — not even within the multiplexes.
Adequate arrangements for security have been put in place, and special attention is being paid to DLF Mall and Great India Palace (GIP), assured AK Singh, SP (city).
According to AK Tyagi, in-charge of security at GIP in Sector 38A, “Security measures have been heightened on GIP premises. Police in large numbers has been deployed outside the mall.”
Around 60 police officers are present outside the GIP mall and 70 near DLF mall in Sector 18 — both biggest entertainment hubs around the city.
Prashant Pathak, cinema manager in GIP, said, “As it is a working day today, bookings for the movie is down by 30 percent. We are holding 20 shows every day.”
