Protesting Padmaavat Release, Karni Sena Protestors Set Fire To Fellow Activist’s Car In Bhopal

Protests against Padmaavat turned violent in Bhopal yesterday (24 January) as activists from Karni Sena and other fringe groups resorted to arson to protest the movie’s release. However, it has emerged that the activists accidentally set fire to one of their own member’s car parked near the protest venue, reported India Today.

The protest was called at the Jyoti Talkies intersection in Maharana Pratap Nagar (MP Nagar), which saw about 100 activists turning up to protest. As the protests grew, activists of the Hindu Jagran Manch tore up posters of BJP leaders and set fire to a car parked nearby.

The police had cut off the protest venue and arrested six activists for arson after the incident. The activists also protested in front of the MP Nagar police station demanding that the accused be released as the victim wasn’t pressing charges.

Madhya Pradesh (MP) Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier announced that Padmaavat won’t be released in the state. However, the movie was set to release after a Supreme Court ruling after being cleared by the central censor board.

Rajasthan and MP state government’s appeals to the apex court to stop the movie screenings for threatening law and order were also overruled, with the court directing them to make sure that order is maintained as the movie is screened.

The Karni Sena has been protesting against what they claim is a distorted representation of their history in the movie. Protests have turned violent across several places in the country, even as the movie is receiving mixed reviews from critics, with some claims that it actually glorifies the Rajputs contrary to the Sena’s opinion.