Padmavati row: Karni Sena activists rampage through Kota theatre

KOTA: Nearly 50 activists of Shri Rajput Karni Sena today rampaged through a cinema hall in Kota to protest the screening a teaser of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next movie ' Padmavati', which the group says "distorts" historical facts.

The Karni Sena members vandalised booking counters, glass windows and gates, and office furniture of the theatre, Anand Yadav, circle in charge of Gumanpura police station, said.

They were also reported to have pelted stones at the theatre.

The activists dispersed after the police used light force on them. Eight people have been detained following the violence and proceedings were on against 30-40 other people, a police official said.

No case has been registered in connection with the violence.

Yadav said they were waiting for a complaint from the manager of the cinema hall.

The activists were angry at the screening of a teaser of 'Padmavati' - an epic drama based on the life of Rani Padmavati - at the theatre.

Following the protest, the screening of the teaser has been stopped at the theatre, the police officer said.

A few Karni Sena activists had submitted a memorandum to the theatre manager demanding him stop the screening of the trailer.

Earlier in the day, several activists of Sarv Hindu Samaj and Karni Sena marched through the Kota District Collectorate against the soon-to-be released film.

In their memorandum, the activists said the Hindu society will not tolerate the "distortion of historical facts" and cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

The movie would not be allowed to release until it is pre-screened to them, the memorandum read.

The film has Deepika Padukone essaying the role Padmavati. It also stars Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.