Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray today denied involvement of his party workers in instances of harassment and disruption of film shootings and television shows.
In a letter addressed to various associations, affiliated to the Indian Film and Television Industry (IFTI), Raj denied the role of MNS workers in any "anti-social or criminal acts" aimed at harassing producers.
"I have been receiving regular complaints from members of your association, that your shootings have been disturbed and that you have been harassed by members of my party under different pretexts," the letter read.
Admitting that in a few instances some of his party men were indeed involved, Raj, however, pointed out that in many incidents vandals were merely using the name of MNS.
Stressing that he enjoys close relations with people from Indian film industry, the MNS chief said, "I am an ardent film viewer and have many close friends in the film industry. My party or I do not stand for any kind of mindless behaviour," the letter added.
The letter comes a week after police arrested some persons, claiming to be office-bearers of the MNS Chitrapat Sena (MNCS), for allegedly vandalising the set of a mixed martial arts event organised by industrialist Raj Kundra in suburban Andheri.
Following the attack on the studio, Kundra and his actor wife Shilpa Shetty met the MNS chief.
Raj also asked IFTI members to contact his PAs if they come across people who make any kind of monetary demands.
