Bajrang Dal and VHP supporters protest against screening of PK in Odisha

Supporters of Bajrang Dal and VHP on Tuesday attacked two cinema halls in Odisha's state capital demanding a ban on screening of Aamir Khan starrer 'PK', a day after staging demonstration against the movie in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Alleging that the film hurts sentiments of Hindus, about a hundred activists barged into the Keshari theatre and pulled down posters and promotional materials of the movie. The activists also ransacked the glass panes at ticket counters and pelted stones at the shops inside the premises of the theatre and damaged some vehicles. Similar incidents were reported from Shriya talkies near Master Canteen.

Policemen from Kharvel Nagar rushed to the spot. However, no one was arrested in this connection, police said.

"We are keeping a watch on the development. Police have taken steps to avoid reoccurance of such incident," said Commissioner of Police RK Sharma.

"The movie insults the Hindu gods and goddesses. It hurts the religious sentiments and sanatan dharma. The movie has been funded by Dubai and Pakistan. Besides, the movie has been premiered in Dubai," said Bhupesh Nayak, a Bajrang Dal activist. On Monday the Bajrang Dal staged protests against the film in Bhopal and Ahmedabad even as the Censor board has refused to take any action against the film.

PK, which released on December 19 found itself mired in controversy after religious outfits demanded its ban in order to ensure communal harmony.