Padmaavat controversy: Section 144 imposed in Gautam Budh Nagar

A day after complete law and order failure was witnessed in many parts of Gautam Buddha Nagar district and with the release of the Padmaavat movie nearing, the administration on Monday imposed Section 144 CrPc in the district, which prohibits the assembly of four or more people.

According to the officials, the decision has been taken after the police failed to control the protest over the release of Padmaavat. The movie is slated for release on January 25.

"Section 144 will be implemented for the next 2 months in the district. This is a precautionary measure taken to maintain law and order," said BN Singh, District Magistrate.

Many organisations protested against the release of the movie on Sunday. The protests that started at Grand Venice Mall, Greater Noida later spread to Noida- Greater Noida Expressway and DND toll plaza. Hundreds of members of the Karni Sena, a Rajput output vandalised the Delhi Noida Direct (DND) Toll Plaza.

After facing a serious backlash from the people, police have filed cases against 40 named and 800 unidentified miscreants.

" Different cases under relevant sections have been filled at Surajpur, Kasana, Dadri and many other police stations across the district against members of Karni Sena. We have arrested 12 people from the spot and detained many others for creating nuisance and rioting. We will scan the CCTV footage and arrest more people. We will take strict action against them. Extra police forces are deployed across the city to control any untoward incident," said Suniti, Superintendent of Police, Gautam Budh Nagar.

Following the outrage against the movie's release, the Delhi Police is also maintaining high security at the multiplexes and theatres. Special Commissioner of Police, Dependra Pathak said, "We are constantly in touch with cinema hall management and the people living in those areas. We believe the film will release hassle-free. A tight vigil will be maintained to ensure smooth and chaos free release. Action will be taken against the law-breakers."

The Supreme Court had earlier this week allowed a country-wide release of the controversial movie on January 25.

Despite this, several organisations are protesting against the release and have warned exhibitors of "serious consequences" if they show the film.