An FIR has been lodged in Lucknow against the makers of the web series ‘Tandav’ for allegedly depicting Hindu gods in a bad light which could possibly hurt religious sentiments. The series is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and written by Gaurav Solanki. The FIR has been registered by senior sub-inspector Amarnath Yadavat at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow on Sunday night.
Besides the makers of the web series ‘Tandav’, the FIR also names Amazon Prime’s India head of original content Aparna Purohit, producer Himanshu Krishna Mehra, and another unnamed person. Amazon Prime is the digital platform on which the web series was released. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone informed that a police team from Hazratganj will leave for Mumbai to investigate the case. Those named in the FIR will be interrogated on Monday.
Charges pressed in the FIR include promoting enmity between different communities on grounds of religion, race or place of birth; destruction, damage, or defilement of a religious place or an object held sacred; harming reputation by forgery, statements conducing to public mischief, with intent to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India, or to strike terror in the people or any section of the people.
The FIR mentions that there are angry outbursts on social media platforms against the content of the web series and people are posting its clippings.
The FIR stated that in the 17th minute of Episode 1, characters depicting Hindu gods and goddesses have been shown in an uncharitable way and using undignified language which can hurt religious sentiments. Further, efforts have been made to ignite caste clashes in the 22nd minute of the same episode.
The complainant also alleged that the Prime Minister of the country has been depicted in a very derogatory manner throughout the web series. Yadav has alleged in his FIR that the web series which was released on January 16 has tried to destroy the social fabric of the country and create tension.
