A professor and five students of Savitribai Phule Pune University were arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of the Hindu community.
The arrest came over a play based on 'Ramleela' that reportedly had objectionable dialogues and scenes. In a viral video showing the play being staged, a male artist portraying Sita was shown smoking a cigarette and using abusive language.
The play, staged on the university campus on Friday, saw a scuffle between members of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and students of Pune University's Lalit Kala Kendra.
The play by the Lalit Kala Kendra, officially called the Centre for Performing Arts, was based on the backstage banter of actors who perform various roles in 'Ramleela'.
Based on a complaint lodged by the ABVP functionary Harshvardhan Harpude, a case was registered under section 295 (A) (deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
The police have arrested Dr Pravin Bhole, the head of the department of the Lalit Kala Kendra, and students Bhavesh Patil, Jay Pednekar, Prathamesh Sawant, Rishikesh Dalvi and Yash Chikhle.
