Padmavati row: Gurgaon police finally book BJP politician who threatened Deepika, Bhansali

A Haryana BJP politician was booked today for offering a reward of Rs10 crore to anyone who beheads filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Padmavati star Deepika Padukone.

Surajpal Singh Amu, the party's media coordinator in Haryana, was booked for criminal intimidation (section 506 of the Indian Penal Code) at Gurgaon's Sector 29 police station on a complaint by a fan of Padukone.

Pawan Kumar, a resident of Gurgaon's Chakkarpur village, said in his complaint that his "feelings were badly hurt" by Amu's statement. "I saw Amu announcing Rs10 crore reward for beheading actress Padukone and filmmaker Bhansali. He has threatened both with dire consequences. The lives of Padukone and Bhansali are in danger. Please take action against Amu," he said in his complaint.

The unrepentant Amu, however, dared police to arrest him. He said he stood by his statement even if the BJP were to expel him, saying he made it as a Rajput and not as a BJP office-bearer. He also issued a threat to break the legs of actor Ranveer Singh, who plays the mediæval Delhi sultan Alauddin Khilji in the film based on the tale of the legendary Rajput queen Padmini, played by Padukone.

He said: "We do not want to take the law in our hands but will not forgive anyone who tries to spoil the image of Rajput kings and queens.

"Padukone is just like our daughter and she must stay away from playing roles like the one she played in Padmavati," he said. "If anyone raises an eye (sic) at our sisters and daughters, they will be punished."

He also questioned the alleged budget of Rs300 crore for the film and said it was a conspiracy against his community.

Asked if he had received any notice from the BJP for his statement, he told IANS: "No notice has been received yet. I'll answer if I get one. I am ready to do anything for the welfare for my community."

Investigating officer Sunil Kumar said Amu will be served notice soon to join the police probe.

Note: The spelling of Surajpal Singh Amu was corrected, 29 November 2017.