An event in which Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali was scheduled to launch the music of a film here was cancelled on Monday following protests by a right-wing group.
Suhaib Ilyasi, the director of the film -- ‘Ghar Wapsi’ – in which Mr. Ali is making his acting debut, had earlier written to the police seeking protection from Hindu Sena activists, who had threatened to disrupt the event.
On Monday afternoon, some members of the Hindu Sena, led by its chief Vishnu Gupta, arrived at Royal Plaza hotel, the venue of the music launch, and raised slogans against Mr. Ali and Mr. Ilyasi. The police, which detained eight protesters, including Mr. Gupta, claimed that adequate security was provided around the hotel to ensure an incident-free event. “We had enhanced security after getting Mr. Ilyasi's letter and all arrangements were in place. We ensured prompt action and detained those creating a ruckus,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Jatin Narwal.
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Mr. Ilyasi said the cancellation was a last-minute decision taken by the hotel and that they were not given any prior information.