Hyderabad: A screening of the documentary ‘Ram ke Naam,’ scheduled for January 20 in Sainikpuri, Hyderabad, was disrupted by right-wing activists. The development comes two days before the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya.
The screening was organised by Hyderabad Cinephiles, a movie enthusiasts’ group.
Following the disturbance, the police arrived at the scene and arrested three persons. Two of them, Anand Singh and Parag Varma, are members of Hyderabad Cinephiles and one is the cafe owner Srujan.
The police came into action after Ruthvik Pandrangi, a member of the Vishva Hindu Parishad lodged a complaint claiming that the screening of the documentary was aimed to “create a communal issue” ahead of Ram Temple inauguration.
Police registered a case under section 290 (Public nuisance), 295A (Outraging the religious feelings) read with Section 34 (When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Speaking to Siasat.com, Neeredmet police said that the investigation into the incident is going on and the organisers have been taken into custody.
Ram ke Naam
Ram ke Naam, a 1992 documentary by Indian filmmaker Anand Patwardhan explores the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) campaign to build the Ram Temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
Post-release, Patwardhan received numerous national and international awards.
Ram Temple inauguration
Meanwhile, preparations for the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are underway nationwide.
Both central and many state governments have declared a ‘half-day’ holiday on January 22 for the inauguration.
Banks will also observe a ‘half day’ holiday on Monday, remaining closed until 2:30 pm tomorrow.
