Bhopal: Filmmaker Prakash Jha’s film sets in Bhopal turned into a battlefield after members of the right-wing group Bajrang Dal went on a rampage, attacking Jha’s crew members. Videos and images shot by witnesses have shown members of Bajrang dal chasing down crew members, even capturing one and beating him mercilessly with a metal light stand.
Members of the right-wing group said Prakash Jha's web series 'Ashram' starring Bobby Deol was an assault on Hinduism and they will not allow its filming till the title was changed.
Mr Jha, who has not filed a complaint in the matter yet, has assured that he will change the name of the series, a Bajrang Dal leader said.
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A mob of Bajrang Dal members shouted slogans like "Prakash Jha Murdabad", "Bobby Deol Murdabad" and "Jai Shri Ram" as they attacked the set at Old Jail Premises located in Arera Hills in the evening.
"They made Ashram 1, Ashram 2 and were shooting Ashram 3 here. Prakash Jha showed in Ashram that the guru was abusing women. Does he have the guts to make such a film on a church or madrasa? Who does he think he is?" Bajrang Dal leader Sushil Surhele said.
The police have said that even though no one from Mr Jha's team has pressed charges, those involved will be identified and arrested.
"Action will be taken against those who disrupted the shooting and vandalised property today itself. They will be arrested," senior police officer Irshad Wali said.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal leader Sushil Sudele, while speaking on the incident to ANI said, "We want the film industry to be promoted here. But this land should not be used to humiliate Hindu samaj. In the earlier series it was shown the women are exploited inside Ashram, is it so?"
