Padmaavat row: Cautious cops beef up security in Gautam Budh Nagar

In the wake of widespread protests by the Karni Sena against the release of “Padmaavat” across the nation, security has been beefed up in the Gautam Budh Nagar district.

According to the police, the security has been increased around the entertainment hubs in the wake of the protests surrounding the movie's release. The administration has increased it in order to maintain law and order in the district and also to keep a check on safety against antisocial elements.

"We have made appropriate arrangements for security across the district, especially in the areas around the theatres. Security force around the city’s hub DLF Mall and GIP have specially been sensitised. We have figured out the place where law and order can be interrupted,” said Suniti, Superintendent of Police, Gautam Budh Nagar.

“Members of this outfit have been creating a ruckus across the nation but it is our duty to maintain peace. We will book anyone who will create a ruckus over the film. We will ensure the movie's screening is held peacefully across the district,” Suniti added.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the state is also working to maintain peace and keeping a check on theatres. “We are increasing patrolling in the city and have asked for additional police deployment at various public places, not just in malls. District administration officials and police personnel have also visited the campuses. We are on the lookout for the group involved and will keep a check on all vulnerable spots in the city,” said a senior police official.

The Karni Sena, a group that has vowed to stop the film's release alleging that it distorted history and showed legendary Rajput Queen Rani Padmini in poor light, also approached the court. The Central Board of Film Certification and the Supreme Court has cleared the movie's screening and have requested the state government to look after law and order in the state. However, Karni Sena members have issued open threats to cinema hall owners recently.

“We have received letters from various theatres requesting security so that no violence occurs inside the theatres. We are trying our best to keep a check on the entire district as Republic Day is also nearing. The administration has already enforced Section 144," Suniti said.

A Greater Noida mall had cancelled a special screening of Padmaavat fearing unwanted incidents. Security in Ghaziabad has also been beefed up. People personnel have been deployed at various hubs of the city.

On Sunday, hundreds of members of the Karni Sena, a Rajput output from Gautam Budh Nagar, vandalised the Delhi Noida Direct Toll Plaza, demanding a ban over the release of Padmaavat in Uttar Pradesh.