BVDS observes bandh over film "disrespecting" lord Valmiki

A bandh was observed today against Hindi film, 'The Legend of Michael Mishra', for allegedly "disrespecting" sage Valmiki on the call of Bharitya Valmiki Dharmik Sangathan (BVDS) here.
Protesters, at some places, brandished swords and forced shopkeepers to down their shutters, however, no untoward incident took place anywhere, police said.
The protesters raised slogans against the film's director Munish Jha and others.
Earlier, a group of Valmiki leaders led by BVDS president Laxhman Dravid and another senior leader Vijay Danav submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat, demanding "immediate action against the actors and the film makers".
Addressing a rally on the occasion, Dravid said they would not tolerate "mocking God Valmiki".

"If people involved in desecration of the holy books of the Sikhs could be strictly dealt with and sentenced for life imprisonment then why not the culprits who disrespected lord Valmiki, be penalised the same way," he said.

"Why are there separate laws for similar crime," he stressed.
Punjab government had yesterday suspended the screening of the film with immediate effect for two months.
"During such suspension, it shall be deemed to be uncertified film in the state," an official spokesman had said.
The decision was taken on account of "strong resentment" among the Valmiki community regarding certain references to Maharishi Valmiki in the film.

The film is written and directed by Manish Jha and stars Arshad Warsi, Aditi Rao Hydari and Boman Irani.