Actress Sunny Leone has cancelled her participation in a New Year party event in Bengaluru, citing that the police have publicly said it cannot ensure her or any of the attendee's safety.
The event, scheduled for December 31 at Manyatha Tech Park, was denied permission by the authorities following protests by a fringe group that threatened to commit suicide if the actress attended the event wearing anything but Saree.
With the authorities denying permission for the event, Sunny took to Twitter today to announce that she has pulled out of the event.
"Since the police of Bangalore have publicly said that they will not be able to ensure mine & all who attend safety for my New Years event,my team & I feel,safety of the people should always come first therefore I cannot attend.God bless & I wish everyone a safe & happy New Year! (sic)," Sunny tweeted.
In a successive tweet, the actress addressed the youth, urging them to "never allow others to speak and choose for [them]."
"To all those who protested and to all those who supported, always remember,never allow others to speak and choose for you.Have your own voice and make your own choices. You are the youth and you are the NEW INDIA! Stand Proud and Stand together. I love you all dearly!" the tweet read.
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After the event was denied permission, the organising agency, Time Creations moved Karnataka High Court challenging the directive.
Bengaluru Mayor Sampath Raj told ANI that the court's verdict will be respected, and that the Bengaluru Municipal Corporation would extend its service in case the event is allowed.
"In this country, everyone has right to ask things. If they want to go to the court, then they are most welcome. The verdict of the court will be respected by everybody, and it is up to the police department what has to be done. If the event is happening and any help is required from BBMP, we'll definitely do," Raj said.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is a municipal corporation of the city.