FIR against upcoming film’sdirector for ‘caste-based’ insult

Lucknow: Lucknow Police registered an FIR at Hazratganj police station against the director of an upcoming film starring Manoj Bajpai, whose title and teaser released recently caused an uproar among certain caste groups in the state and elsewhere. The action was taken on charges of spreading social animosity, hurting religious and caste sentiments, and attempting to disrupt public peace. Hazratganj police station in-charge Vikram Singh took cognisance of the upcoming film being promoted on an OTT platform, as well as its content being shared on social media. According to him, the title of the upcoming film and its promotional material were found to be objectionable at first glance. The FIR clearly states, under the point of caste-based insult, that the film's title appears to be deliberately chosen to target and demean a particular community/caste. There was widespread anger among the Brahmin community and various social organisations over the film's title and content. Several organisations warned of aggressive protests against it. This heightened concerns about the potential impact on public peace and law & order. Considering the sensitivity of the situation, the police took immediate action. According to the police, at first glance, it appears that the director of the film and his team promoted the film with the intention of spreading social animosity, disturbing public peace, and disrupting harmony. Such content has the potential to damage the social fabric, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances. In view of these facts and the sensitive situation, Hazratganj police registered an FIR against the film's director and his team under BNS sections 196 (promoting disharmony and enmity between groups), 299 (deliberate act to outrage feelings of a group), 352 (provoking breach of peace), and 66 IT Act, said DCP Central Zone, Vikrant Vir. The police clarified that further action will be taken based on the evidence available during the investigation, promoted and broadcast content, and applicable legal provisions.