A still from the controversial film MSG: Messenger of God starring Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
'MSG: The Messenger of God' starring Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the controversial chief of the religious sect Dera Sacha Sauda Chief, today released in cinema halls and multiplexes in Haryana and Chandigarh amid tight security.
'MSG' was banned by the Punjab government last month following protests in towns and cities across north India, including Delhi, over the film which, Sikh groups allege, "glorifies" the Dera leader who has several criminal cases against him.
"The situation is peaceful so far (in Chandigarh Union Territory)," UT Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Sukhchain Singh Gill told PTI today.
The film was released in over 3,000 screens across the country.
Police have made tight security arrangements in Haryana and Chandigarh anticipating protests by Sikh groups who allege that the film "glorifies" the Dera leader who has several criminal cases against him.
The state has been put on high on alert with prohibitory orders in place in several districts including Kurukshetra and Sirsa which have a sizeable Sikh population. People have been advised against coming in groups to watch the film.
Security has been stepped up around theatres in the state with a sizeable police presence near cinema halls and multiplexes in Chandigarh.
A sizeable number of police force has been deployed around cinema halls and multiplexes in Chandigarh.
The movement of people from parts of Haryana and neighbouring Punjab to watch the movie in the city is also being watched, police officials said.
Barricades have been put up at entry points of Chandigarh and those entering the city were being asked to prove their identities.