Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
With controversial film MSG: The Messenger featuring Dera Sachcha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh set to release today, security arrangements at theatres which will screen it have been tightened.
Prohibitory orders have been issued by authorities in various districts of Haryana to prevent any untoward incident as Sikh organisations are opposing the release of the film.
"The film is given certificate by the censor board and it is a subject of the central government ...we are ensuring strict security to prevent any untoward incident," Haryana Cabinet minister Ram Bilas Sharma told reporters.
To deal with any situation resulting due to the build-up of tension over the film's release, police and paramilitary forces have been stationed at several places across the state. Two companies of reserve police force have been stationed in Sirsa where the Dera has its headquarters.
"We have imposed Section 144, installed CCTV cameras at the entry and exit points of the Cineplex... security forces are on the alert and we are maintaining vigil," said Sirsa Deputy Superintendent of Police Jagdish Kajla.
The Parkash Singh Badal government banned the release of the film in Punjab last month itself following threats from Sikh organisations. After being denied a release certificate by the censor board last month, the film was given green signal last week with an altered title and suggested edits.
The controversial movie was earlier called
MSG (Messenger of God).