Tight security in Delhi for Padmaavat’s release

NEW DELHI: After a long wait, Padmaavat, which had received flak by Karni Sena will release in cinema theatres and Delhi police on Friday assured tight security for a hassle-free screening.

Speaking to this newspaper, Deependra Pathak, Delhi police chief spokesperson said, “The police made elaborate security arrangements for the film’s screeing. The personnel are on the vigil for anti-social elements. We are also in touch with intelligence agencies in other states and cinema hall managements. We hope that the film screening will be smooth.”

The men in khaki will keep a strict vigil to keep the fringe elements at bay. From January 25, the police will patrol those areas that house cinema halls, a day before the controversial film’s release. The Cyber Cell of Delhi police will also keep a tab on social media to stop any hate messages.

The Delhi Police’s statement comes after the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the notifications issued by four states, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, to ban the release of the film.

In its interim order, the court said all states were constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of the film.

Meanwhile, DCP (Southeast) Chinmoy Biswal told the newspaper that following the Supreme Court order, “We held a meeting with all SHOs regarding the security arrangements ahead of the film’s elease. The local police wil tighten security at cinema halls located in Southeast Delhi in Lajpat Nagar, Nehru place, East of Kailash, Amar Colony, New Friends Colony, and Jungpura.”

He said that the junior officers have been asked to keep an eye on large gatherings.