Khaps to sue ‘Guddu Rangeela’ producers

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, July 5

Two days after its release, Guddu Rangeela, has courted controversy as various khaps and Jat outfits have raised objection over projection of their ‘negative’ image.

Rohtak Khap 84, Hooda Khap, Akhil Bhartiya Adarsh Jat Mahasabha (ABAJM) and Young Jats (YJ) termed the film a ‘serious threat’ for social harmony and have demanded a ban on it. They have also decided to lodge a defamation complaint against the producer, director and artists. The film stars Arshad Warsi, Ronit Roy, Amit Sadh and Aditi Rao.

“The film has projected a negative picture of khaps against the fact that they have been working to maintain social harmony and brotherhood since ancient times,” said Hardeep Ahlawat, chief of Rohtak Khap 84.

“We have been targeted without obtaining any facts about the khaps’ functioning and we will soon file a criminal case,” he added.

Dharampal Hooda, general secretary of Hooda khap, said “We are convening a mahapanchayat to take legal action against the film makers,” he said.

Deepak Rathi, national spokesman of ABAJM, said the khaps were depicted taking anti-social decisions and working against human rights in the movie.

“We will take up the issue with Censor Board seeking a ban on it. Besides, a police complaint will also be filed,” he added.

Rajesh Khatkar, president of YJ, said the movie had projected khaps against love marriages but they were promoting inter-caste weddings to strengthen the social system.

Appeal to legalise prostitution opposed

Kurukshetra: Women’s wing president of Sarv Jaat Sarva Khap Mahapanchayat Santosh Dahiya today criticised Suman Dahiya, vice-chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, for her appeal to the state government that if the government can’t ban prostitution, it should legalise it. Santosh Dahiya said: “Haryana is a holy place and there is no place for such things. Suman has been holding an important post in the state and she must not make such appeals.”Suman said in Faridabad last month that if the government can’t ban prostitution, it should legalise it. She said: “Legalising prostitution is not a solution. In fact, it would further worsen the situation of women in the state. Instead of making such appeals, Suman should have come with some innovative ideas for betterment of women and children in the state.”   — Nitish Sharma