Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Dec 24: Police commissioner S Murugan on Thursday December 24 said that police are investigating the forcible stopping of Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer 'Dilwale' in theatres in the city by Bajrang Dal activists, and have offered to provide security to malls if they were ready to resume the screening.
On Sunday December 20, activists of Bajrang Dal, in protest against Shah Rukh Khan's statement on intolerance, had forcibly stopped the screening of 'Dilwale' in three malls in the city. Since then, the theatre managements have suspended the shows.
Addressing a press meet at his office here, Murugan said, "There is a news spread that police have not given adequate security for the screening of 'Dilwale'. Last Sunday, when 'Dilwale' was being screened, a few people protested in front of theatres stating that screening of the film hurt their sentiments. As soon as the police got information about the protest, we made proper security arrangements and also asked theatre managements to file complaints and assured them of security. If the film theatres want security we can provide it," he said.
"I also conducted meetings with theatre managements and clearly said that we will provide protection. But the theatre managements have not taken any measures to screen the film," he added.
"One case relating to the incident has been filed in Pandeshwar police station and investigation is under progress," he said, referring to the complaint filed by Vidya Dinker of Citizens' Forum for Mangalore Development.
He also said that action has been taken against a person who made derogatory statements against the complainant. "A person had made derogatory statements on Facebooks against the complainant. The person was immediately called and stern warning was issued and the post was removed. If we receive complaints, we are ready to take any action withiin the ambit of law," he said.
"We are ready to provide security to theatres if they want to screen 'Dilwale' movie," he stressed.
Conveying his wishes on the occasion of Eid Milad and Christmas, he said that adequate security arrangements have been made by the police to ensure peaceful celebrations.
ACP Shantharaju was present.