VHP, Bajrang Dal Seek FIR Against G7 Multiplex Execs

A complaint has been filed by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal against the management of G7 Multiplex in Bandra, Mumbai, alleging that an auditorium was used to host an undisclosed religious gathering without proper permissions.

The complaint, submitted to the Bandra West Police Station, states that a scheduled screening of the movie Hanuman Ansh on September 6 was cancelled without prior notice to ticket holders. Instead, the auditorium space was allegedly leased and used for a private religious event, violating standard commercial cinema operating protocols.

The complainants have sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including promoting enmity between different groups, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and statements conducing to public mischief.

Santosh Gupta, District Minister for the VHP-Bajrang Dal, stated that organisation members visited the multiplex after receiving reports of the cancelled screening and found an unauthorised gathering underway inside the hall. Gautam Ravaria, Provincial Chief Coordinator for the organisation, accused local authorities of failing to act on their grievance.

The police subsequently shut down operations at the iconic complex on Monday, with sources indicating that the shutdown was linked to non-renewal of operating licences. However, the complainants maintain that the action was tied to the weekend incident.

The G7 Multiplex, also known as the Gaiety-Galaxy complex, has a complex history, having been established in 1972 as a three-screen venue and later expanding into a seven-screen multiplex. The management of the multiplex has not responded to requests for clarification on the matter.

The incident has sparked a dispute, with the VHP and Bajrang Dal alleging that the multiplex was used for illegal activities, while the police and management have attributed the shutdown to technical faults and licensing issues.

The shutdown of the multiplex has raised questions about the role of authorities in regulating public spaces and ensuring that they are not used for illegal activities. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public spaces.

In the context of Mumbai, the incident is significant as it raises concerns about the potential for communal tensions and the need for authorities to ensure that public spaces are not used to promote enmity between different groups. The city has a long history of communal harmony, and incidents like this can have a significant impact on social cohesion.

The incident is also a reminder of the importance of effective governance and regulation in ensuring that public spaces are used for their intended purpose. The shutdown of the multiplex has caused inconvenience to the public, and it is essential that authorities take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the complaint filed by the VHP and Bajrang Dal against the management of G7 Multiplex has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public spaces. The incident has raised concerns about communal tensions and the potential for public spaces to be used for illegal activities. It is essential that authorities take steps to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that public spaces are used for their intended purpose.