Mumbai, Aug 6 (IANS): Filmmaker Prakash Jha said activists of the Republican Party of India (RPI) attacked his home and office here Saturday to protest against the release of his socio-political film "Aarakshan", based on caste-based reservation in the Indian education system.

"The attack was made by Republican Party of India (RPI) activists around 5.30 p.m. The police immediately came to the spot and chased off the activists away from the place," Jha told IANS.

RPI chief Ramdas Athavale had earlier said that his party would not let theatres in Maharashtra screen the movie if Jha does not change its "anti-Dalit" stance. Prior to that, the National Commission of Scheduled Castes (NCSC) had also termed the film "anti-Dalit".

The NCSC had even asked Jha to screen the film for a panel before its release Aug 12. But Jha is unfazed.

Jha, who is currently in the Delhi along with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and other cast members to promote the movie, is however clueless about the damage caused to his office and home.

"I am not yet aware of the damage made by them," said Jha.

The filmmaker, known for his projects on socio-political issues and their effects on the society, was recently denied permission to stage a grand show in Lucknow to promote "Aarakshan" by the state administration on grounds of "apprehension of breach of peace".

"Aarakshan" also features Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar.