Dilwale off cinemas in Mangaluru:Home Minister urged to restore rule of law in coastal

Dilwale off cinemas in Mangaluru:Home Minister urged to restore rule of law in coastal

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 24, 2015 :  Coordinator of Citizens Forum for Mangalore Development, Vidya Dinker in her December 22 letter urged Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara to immediately seek a report on the present issues in the coastal regions and ensure centralised monitoring of the investigation.

Even as Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer Dilwale remained off cinemas for the third day in Dakshina Kannada district following protests by the VHP - Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, social activist Vidya Dinker has written to Home Minister G. Parameshwara urging him to restore rule of law in the district.

Social activist Vidya Dinker said the police response to “immoral policing” in the district appeared inadequate, even though City Police Commissioner S. Murugan has initiated some  action.

Since Dec 20, Sunday, theater owners have been told the police were ready to provide security, Police commissioner  said. “I held a meeting with theatre operators on Dec22, Tuesday. While a few said they will come back on Dec 23, Wednesday, others refused to take protection.”

Commissioner  Murugan said the operators of Big Cinemas did not file a complaint against the activists, who damaged the film banner. “Now a complaint has been registered on the basis of eyewitness’ account,” he said.

VHP district president Jagadish Shenava said, “When theatre operators themselves are not screening the movie, there is no question of carrying out protests. Protests will be held only if they screen the movie.”

Activist attacked on social media  : After Vidya Dinker  filed a complaint against Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists, she has been receiving offensive comments on social media. Vidya Dinker told media  that comments were made against her by Bajrang Dal Mangaluru city co-convener Puneeth Raj Kottari on his Facebook account. The post reportedly questioned how much money she had got from “traitors”. It also said that the complaint will not deter them from acting against persons like Shah Rukh Khan.  Dinker said this post was removed after she sent a link to the Police Commissioner.

Protest in Udupi : The activists stopped one show at Ashirwad theatre near Santhekatte in Udupi district on Dec 22, Tuesday. They staged a protest in front of the theatre and tore a poster. As a result, the 4.30 p.m. show was cancelled. Following police intervention and talks between the theatre management and activists, the latter relented. Girish Kumar S., sub-inspector of Udupi Town police station, said on Dec23, Wednesday that the night show (7.30 p.m.) on Dec 22, Tuesday and other shows on Dec 23, Wednesday went on as usual. The theatre management has not registered any case, he said.