Police arrest Chittorgarh Karni Sena chief after jauhar threat

Jaipur Jan 24 (IANS) Police have arrested the Chittorgarh unit chief of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena after its spokesperson declared that over 1 900 women of the community are "ready" to commit "jauhar" or mass immolation as part of protests over the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali s "Padmaavat".

Police swooped down on the residences of Karni Sena Chittorgarh unit President Govind Singh Khangarot and Vice President Kamlendu Singh Solanki at 11 p.m. on Tuesday and arrested them.

Police also arrested Devendra Singh one of the main members of the organisation.

Speaking to IANS Rajpratap Singh state media in charge Karni Sena said that "Police are trying their best to curb our protest".

"We are not being allowed to take out a rally or stage protest. There is nakabandi all around and strict police arrangements have been made in this town " he said.

"We have called a meeting and will unveil our next phase of action by evening after a call taken by our Chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi " he added.

On Tuesday a senior spokesperson of the Karni Sena from Chittorgarh had said that "people from the city of Queen Padmavat are disheartened with the verdict of the Supreme Court".

"If we want we can choose violent ways and disturb people and tourists. However on the contrary our women have decided to opt for jauhar (mass immolation) without disturbing anyone " he said.

He claimed that "wood has been collected at the jauhar location and 1 908 women have registered for jauhar. If the administration allows us to climb on top of the fort we will do so."

The film releases on Thursday. The Karni Sena and other fringe groups claim Bhansali s period drama distorts history.

--IANS
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