Dalit Journalist Beaten at PVR for Reviewing ‘Phule’ Film — Entire Attack Caught on Camera!

Prayagraj, UP (formerly Allahabad)— A Dalit journalist, Sanjay Ambedkar, was allegedly assaulted by PVR staff while attempting to take audience reviews of the film Phule in Prayagraj. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and demands for strict action against those involved.

Ambedkar, who runs a YouTube channel called Bheemraj Dastak, had visited PVR Cinemas to talk to viewers exiting the theatre after watching Phule. Despite the film being screened, he noted there were no posters or promotional materials for it inside the premises. When he tried to speak to moviegoers, PVR employees and bouncers allegedly confronted and attacked him.

Recounting the incident to The Mooknayak, Sanjay said, "I came to take reviews of the film Phule. While I was speaking with some viewers, I was suddenly stopped. I continued my work, but soon the situation escalated, and they began assaulting us."

Sanjay explained that he and his colleague, Ravi Kumar, were both present. “They caught hold of Ravi first, and when I intervened and asked them to stop, they started beating me too. We were dragged to the third floor, mistreated, and assaulted. Somehow, I managed to escape and informed the authorities. Ravi was held hostage inside and was released after half an hour.”

He also claimed the entire incident was recorded on camera, identifying the attackers as PVR staff and bouncers. “We've filed an official complaint, and an FIR has been registered. The investigation is underway,” he said.

Expressing his concern, Sanjay added, “Journalists across the country are being targeted. In Fatehpur, journalist Dilip Saini was stabbed to death, Mukesh Chandrakar was killed, and Raghvendra Bajpai was shot dead in Sitapur. Journalists are not safe under the Yogi government. Is taking a movie review now a crime?”

In response to the viral video, the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of DCP Prayagraj City confirmed: “Based on the complaint received, an FIR has been registered at Civil Lines Police Station under relevant sections. Legal proceedings are underway.”

Police have registered the case based on a complaint filed by Ravi Kumar. The FIR names unknown PVR employees and includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 Sections 115(2), 352, 351(2), 351(3), 309(4), and under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Amendment 2015), Sections 3(2)(v), 3(1)(d), and 3(1)(dh).

It’s worth noting that the Phule film has already been surrounded by controversy, with several Brahmin groups calling for a boycott and opposing its screening. The backlash led to certain edits and modifications in the film.