Karni Sena vandalises cinema hall in Bihar; defies SC orders; says Padmavaat should not run

Karni Sena, a fringe group spearheading the protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film — Padmavaat, has refused to back down even after Supreme Court’s direction to showcase the movie in the states that had banned its release earlier.

Dozen of activists of Karni Sena vandalised a cinema hall and went on rampage in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district soon after Supreme Court’s suspended the ban on the movie imposed by four states including Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

However, the local administration asserted that no damage was caused by the protestors.

Karni Sena leader Lokendra Singh has asked Hindu organisations across the country to ensure the movie is not shown in cinema halls.

“I appeal the people of the country not to watch the movie. Public should enforce a curfew at the cinema halls showcasing Padmavaat,” said Singh.

The Karni Sena commands influence on the Rajput and some other communities.

Also read: SC suspends ban by four states on Padmaavat, gives nod to release on Jan 25

Earlier in the day, Supreme Court suspended the ban imposed in the four states and has given a free release to Padmavaat.

The apex court in its interim order, asked all the states to maintain law and order situation and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of Padmaavat across India.

The movie is based on the saga of the historic battle of the 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

Also read: Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmavat (Padmavati) banned in Gujarat despite changes

Padmaavat stars Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles and slated to release on January 25. The movie will witness a box office clash with Akshay Kumar's PadMan.