Rajkumar Santoshi seeks police protection; claims threats over ‘Gandhi Godse - Ek Yudh’

In the middle of the press conference at around 4pm on January 20, a group of people barged in and gathered in front of the screen while the trailer of the film was being played. They raised slogans against Godse and also shouted ‘Mahatma Gandhi Amar Rahe’

Mumbai. Film director Rajkumar Santoshi has written to the Mumbai police seeking additional police protection after a group of protestors recently interrupted a press conference of his film ‘Gandhi Godse - Ek Yudh’, which is slated to be released on January 26.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi was admitted to Nanavati hospital following some cardiac-related problem. He underwent angioplasty and is now stable.

Santoshi on Monday wrote to Deven Bharti, special commissioner of police, Mumbai seeking additional security cover and also informed him that he has received several threats.

As per Santoshi’s letter, on January 20 his team held a press conference for the release of the film Gandhi vs. Godse, at PVR, Citi Mall, Andheri. The team included the director, producer and the cast of the film.

In the middle of the press conference at around 4pm, a group of people barged in and gathered in front of the screen while the trailer of the film was being played. They raised slogans against Godse and also shouted ‘Mahatma Gandhi Amar Rahe’.

Later, the filmmaker claimed he has also received several threats from unknown people asking him to stop the release and the promotion of his movie.

“I feel unsafe and I further submit that grave damage and injury could be caused to me and my family members if such persons are set free and if no steps are taken by your good-self and further losses would be caused not only to us but the public at large,” Santoshi stated in his letter written to Bharti.

He requested the police, “I hereby humbly request you to take all necessary steps under law in this matter and further request you to urgently provide me with additional security to protect myself and other members of my family.”