Bihar: Road blockade, march against the film

Padmaawat could not be released in Bihar despite assurance of protection by the chief secretary of state government to cinema hall and multi-plex owners. Violence erupted in different parts of the state as Rajput organisations protested on streets and clashed with the police.

At Bihta on the outskirts of the state capital, carrying naked swords, Rajput workers shouted slogans against the producer of the film. At Dak Bungalow Road here, Sri Ram Sena activists blocked movement of vehicles on the movie. Chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh on Thursday said, following instructions of the Supreme Court, directions have been issued to al DMs and SPs asking them to ensure protection to the viewers and safety to cinema halls screening the film.

Kishore Kumar Munna, a former JDU MLA led the protesters at Supaul in North Bihar. He too carried sword and moved on the streets of the town asking people not to see the film as it “attacked the dignity of Rajput women:”

Pramod Kumar, tourism minister of Bihar too asked people not to see the movie as it belittled the prestige of Rajput women and made mockery of bravery of Rajput women. Kumar is a BJP MLA.

At Barh, women passengers travelling in a bus were humiliated as the pro-film ban supporters observed a bandh and attacked the public transport system.

Reports of destruction of public property have been received from Mjunger, Jamui, Motihari, Nalanda, and Muzaffarpur.

Former chief minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi asked Rajput leaders to influence their supporters to stop violence.

Shyam Rajak,deputuy leaader of JDU legislature party said those opposing the screening of film were fools and illiterates.