Criminal cases against noted cine director and producer Ramgopal Varma in Mumbai as well as in Hyderabad for his objectionable comments on Lord Vigneshwara.
Annoyed over Varma’s objectionable tweets on Lord Ganesha, some political and social activists filed police complaints against him. Sumit Khambekar, chief of the Mumbai unit of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and social activist Shahzaad Poonawala filed separate complaints against Varma in police stations alleging that the cine producer hurt the sentiments of a large number of Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Ganesha. Poonawala said Varma’s tweets have “angered” not only Maharashtrians but also Muslims of the State.
It may be mentioned here that Varma on Friday posted some tweets and jocular remarks on Lord Ganesha, which many people said were highly objectionable and in poor taste. Police said they will investigate the case before taking further steps.
Social activists and organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have condemned Varma’s comments and demanded an apology from him as well as police action. A case was also filed against Varma in Saroornagar police station in Hyderabad. Karuna Sagar, an advocate, complained to the police that the film director and producer made controversial comments on Lord Ganesha. The police booked cases under Sections 153A, 505, 298 and 504 of IPC. (NSS)