Police deployed in force for Munawar Faruqui's show in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Police was seen deployed in strength ahead of standup comedian Munawar Faruqui's show in Hyderabad on Saturday. Amidst tight security, people who had brought tickets for the show were ushered into the venue at Shilpakala in Hitech City under the Madhapur police station limits. People were being told not to bring their phones and wallets inside the venue.

Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar had given a call to boycott Faruqui's show. Addressing a gathering in Khila Shapur of Jangaon district on Friday alleged that Faruqui should be boycotted as he mocked Hindu Gods.

Read also: CBI is 'uncaged parrot' whose plumes are saffron, says Kapil Sibal

"We all worship Sita Devi... we see her everywhere in water, air, fire and land. He has insulted our Sita Devi and our lord Rama...TRS party people have called him to Hyderabad as a chief guest. We do not need him, we will boycott him," Bandi said.

According to sources, several activists and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party have bought online tickets for the show and are planning to hold protest against the stand up artiste. Earlier on Friday, the party's MLA Raja Singh was taken into preventive custody when he tried to visit the venue of the show in Hitech city.

Read also: Bollywood: Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja blessed a baby boy

As per the Madhapur Inspector Ravindra Prasad, Faruqui has given permission to hold the show in Hyderabad.

Munawar and four others were arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police on January 1 following a complaint by Eklavya Singh Gaud, son of BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaud that objectionable remarks about Hindu deities as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah were passed during a comedy show at a cafe in Indore on New Year's Day. He was later released on bail.

Following this Faruqui has faced criticism and his shows were cancelled at several venues. (ANI)

• #Munawar Faruqui
• #security
• #Show
• #hyderabad
• #Outside