FIRs filed against filmmaker Leena Manimekalai for hurting religious sentiments over Kaali movie poster

FIRs have been filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police and Delhi Police's Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) wing against filmmaker Leena Manimekalai for hurting religious sentiments with the depiction of Goddess Kaali in her movie 'Kaali'.

According to the UP Police, she has been booked on charges of criminal conspiracy, offense in place of worship, deliberately hurting religious sentiments and intention to provoke breach of peace.

According to Delhi Police, two complaints were received against the filmmaker. The IFSO, a specialised unit of Delhi Police that manages complicated and sensitive cybercrime cases, has filed



an FIR under IPC 153A and 295A. On the second complaint, the police said that a probe is currently underway and necessary action will be taken as per the law. 

The Madurai-born, Toronto-based filmmaker is facing flak for a poster of her documentary 'Kaali' showing the goddess smoking and holding an LGBTQ flag. 'Kaali' is yet to be shown to Indian audiences.

The poster has led to a social media storm with the hashtag 'Arrest Leena Manimekalai', allegations that the filmmaker is hurting religious sentiments.

Meanwhile, Manimekalai has said that she will continue to use her voice fearlessly till she is alive.