Padmaavat violence: 18 Karni Sena supporters sent to judicial custody in Gurugram

Eighteen supporters of Shri Rajput Karni Sena, arrested for vandalising a Haryana Roadways bus and attacking a school bus here to protest against the Hindi film Padmaavat, were on Thursday sent to 14 days judicial custody.

They were accused of induling in vandalism on Wednesday in Bhondsi area on the Gurugram-Alwar highway, 12 km from here. The school bus they allegedly threw stones at was ferrying several children as well as teachers of a private school.

"During the course of investigation, 18 agitators were arrested. Police also seized objectionable material from their possession. All the accused were produced in a Sohna court, which sent them to jail for 14 days," a police officer said.

The accused were taken to the court premises with covered faces.

A mob had also pelted with stones Haryana police personnel deployed on the Gurugram-Alwar highway on Wednesday, injuring a few policemen.

The police has till now arrested 31 agitators, including the 18 sent to judicial custody on Thursday.

Earlier, director general of police BS Sandhu said: "It (school bus attack) was unfortunate. We are very upset about it. But police reached in time and took appropriate action."

Sandhu said adequate protection had been provided to all theatres and warned that anyone found indulging in unlawful activities would be brought to book.

"Things are peaceful now as all theatres have been provided adequate protection. If someone is found indulging in unlawful activities, they will be immediately arrested and strict action will be taken against them," he said.

"The government is providing full protection to those ready to screen (Padmaavat)."