The locale was the Lalit Kala Acdemy Pune. Maharashtra is a state currently the target of hate speech and writing. The play was a humorous take on the ‘behind the scenes’ scenario at a Ram – Leela production. The actors in the Ram Leela were backstage. They were playing Sita, Ravan, and Lakshman. The actor in the Ram Leela playing Ram who has run away. The other three are discussing this.
That is when the trouble suddenly started. Sabrangindia is in possession of a video that depicts the fracas. The “leader” of ABVP also made a speech in which he said that “these people” use education to poison people’s minds. Pune police have detained some Students have been detained with no phones on their person.
Meanwhile, functionaries of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and students of Pune University’s Lalit Kala Kendra claimed had objectionable dialogues and scenes. The play, staged by the Lalit Kala Kendra, officially called the Centre for Performing Arts, was based on backstage banter of actors who perform various roles in Ramleela. It was an exam performance.
“We took objection to such acts and stopped the play which was called Ramleela. It hurts Hindu sentiments. The students of the Lalit Kala Kendra then tried to heckle us. We have approached the police and have sought the registration of a case,” Barole said. The ABVP also made unsubstantiated claims that Sita was depicted smoking etc.
Inspector Ankush Chintaman of Chaturshringi police station told PTI there was a confrontation and verbal spat between students and ABVP members. “We have summoned both groups to record their statements,” Chintaman said.