Ahmedabad woke up today to a rude awakening of great distraction in malls that housed significant multiplexes. The protests carried out against the Padmaavat film intensified even after the apex court stood by its decision to allow the movie to be screened on January 25 contrary to the wishes of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments. Nationwide protests organized by Shri Rajput Karni Sena group intensified yesterday with Ahmedabad receiving the fair share of violence upon its malls.
On assessing the damage on Wednesday morning, it could be ascertained that at least 30 motorcycles were subjected to arson; three malls were pelted with stones while some motor vehicles were also burned. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, AK Singh reported in the morning that several people had been arrested to that effect and investigations are underway to arrest the perpetrators.
Accounts of the Protests
According to a police control room official, the first incident was reported from Acropolis Mall where protestors thought to be linked to the Shri Rajput Karni Sena group arrived and torched 21 motorcycles. Acropolis houses the PVR multiplex. Later, the team proceeded to the Himalaya Mall which houses Carnival Cinemas. The demonstrators torched some more bikes. The protestors went to AlphaOne Mall next and torched ten motorbikes. The mall houses Cinepolis multiplex.
An Accusatory finger is being pointed towards the Karni Sena group as the protests happened on the onset of Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi’s visit. It is claimed that around 1,500 Sena activists gathered outside Dev Arc Mall to begin their candlelit march before proceeding to Acropolis Mall. The police confirm that about 200 protestors were the ones going around causing damage to property. Karni Sena leader refuted such claims and added that the perpetrators are anti-social characters seeking to defame the community’s name. The Gujarat Rajput Karni Sena contingent leader, Raj Shekhavat denied the allegations and remarked that he would resign in investigations implies their community had a hand in the destruction.
Nitin Patel, Gujarat Chief Minister, urged people not to see the film but remain calm.
Surprise Violence
Ahmedabad destruction came as a surprise as the police did not expect it to happen. Multiplexes in Gujarat had already declared that they would not screen the controversial film beginning January 25. The police commissioner assured residents in Ahmedabad that there will be adequate security in the area to avoid a repeat of the destructions and ensure those willing to watch the films are protected.
