Police advice screening under own security

A group of 50 persons on Friday night stormed into the Balaji Delux theatre in Bannimantap during the screening of the Tamil movie Vishwaroopam starring Kamal Haasan.

The group of youths suddenly stormed into the theatre when the movie was being screened at around 10.30 pm. They ransacked the furniture, broke the glass windows and damaged the screen, besides damaging the windshields of two cars parked in the theatre premises. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the incident.

Mandi Police Inspector C.T. Rajanna and staff, who rushed to the spot on receiving the information, could not apprehend the miscreants who had fled by that time. Mandi Police have registered a case and are investigating.

Meanwhile, City Police Commissioner K.L. Sudhir told SOM this morning that the movie has not been banned from being screened in city; however, the theatre-owners who screen the movie will have to make their own security arrangements.

"It is our duty to protect the people. However, as there is a dearth of personnel, the Police Department will find it difficult to provide security at the theatres too," said Sudhir and added that already more than 200 staff in city were assigned with duties to prevent chain-snatching and other criminal activities.

“There is no official order from the government to ban the movie in the State. However, a clear picture will emerge tomorrow,” he said.

Vishwaroopam, being screened at the DRC multiplex in Habitat Mall, Jayalakshmipuram for the 10 am show, was continued as per schedule; but the next four shows of the movie were cancelled, following a warning from the Police. Sources in the multiplex said that the money of those who had booked tickets in advance will be repaid. The sources also said that all the tickets for the four shows were sold out yesterday itself.