Violent protest against 'Padmaavat' release in Mumbai affects traffic

Traffic situation worsened in Mumbai this evening after a group of people carried out a violent agitation against the release of controversial film 'Padmaavat' near Vashi toll Naka on Monday evening. 

According to Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, Hemant Nagrale, around 7.45 pm, 25 protesters put 8t burnt tyres on the Sion Panvel Highway between Vashi Toll Naka and Vashi Gaon. 

"They burnt the tyres on road and fled away. The Traffic was put on hold for about 20 minutes till we cleared the obstruction and the Traffic resumed," he said.

An offence has been registered at Vashi Police Station and search is on to trace the culprits," Nagrale said. 

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film 'Padmaavat' is scheduled to release on January 25. Various groups have opposed the release and have warned of violent protests. 

Meanwhile, leaders of the Shree Rajput Karni Sena met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today and demanded a ban on the film in the state.

Starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji, the film was slated for release on December 1 last year but was postponed as the makers had not got a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), or the censor board, till then.

The film is based on the saga of the historic 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

The Supreme Court had earlier paved the way for the all- India release of "Padmaavat" on January 25 and stayed notifications and orders issued by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat -- all ruled by the BJP -- prohibiting exhibition of the film in their states.

The apex court had also restrained other states from issuing any such notification or orders banning the screening of the movie.

(With PTI inputs)