ASI Issues Notice to ‘Dabangg 3’ Makers to Remove Film Sets in MP

The makers have been previously accused of hurting religious sentiments of Hindus for covering a Shivling statue.

Salman Khan’s Dabangg 3 has courted controversy while filming on location in Madhya Pradesh.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

After getting into hot water for allegedly hurting religious sentiments while filming, Salman Khan’s Dabangg 3 is in trouble again, this time with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The ASI has issued a notice to the makers of the film to remove two sets that have been constructed inside the Jal Mahal in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. The notice states that the makers are in violation of the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 among other rules. The producers were allegedly informed previously to no avail and have now been warned that permission for the film’s shoot will be cancelled if the directive is not followed.

A stone figurine from the Ahilya fort located on the banks of the Narmada river in Maheshwar was also allegedly damaged when the sets of the film were being dismantled. Madhya Pradesh’s Culture Minister Vijaylaxmi Sadho has said that necessary action would be taken against those responsible for the incident.

"I have taken cognisance of the matter and issued directives to Khargone district collector, superintendent of police and sub-divisional magistrate ( SDM)," the minister said.

Earlier, the makers of Dabangg 3 received flak for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus after photographs of a Shivling covered with wooden planks during the shooting of the film surfaced on social media. Rameshwar Sharma, a BJP MLA from Huzur in Bhopal, demanded that a FIR be filed against those behind the incident. Salman later clarified that the Shivlinga had been covered with wooden planks to protect the idol and maintain its sanctity and that it was removed after the shoot.

The producers have also been criticised for closing off the Rajwada Palace to devotees who were prevented from visiting Maa Ahilya’s historical site for the duration of the shoot.

(With inputs from PTI)