Five arrested for vandalising Padmavati rangoli in Surat

Among five who were arrested, four people belonged to the Rajput Karni Sena and one to Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The police registered an FIR on October 16 for allegedly destroying the rangoli created by a local artist, Karan K, in Gujarat.

The rangoli was inspired from film Padmavati.

Surat Commissioner of Police, Satish Sharma, said: "We have arrested five persons, four of them belonging to outfit Karni Sena and one from the VHP. More persons are likely to be arrested as the video footage recovered by us shows 8-10 persons involved in the activity."

"I also want to make it clear that the police will deal with strictness against any such action. Freedom of expression is everyone's right in a democracy, but vandalism will not be allowed," he added.

Two days ago, Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, who is also playing a lead role in the film, slammed the attack.

Padukone said action must be taken against these people.

"Absolutely heart breaking to see the recent attack on artist Karan and his artwork!disgusting and appalling to say the least!," Padukone tweeted.

"Who are these people?Who is responsible for their actions?For how long are we going to let this go on?," she said.

"Allow them to take law into their own hands & attack our freedom & right to individual expression time & again!?," she said.

"This has to stop NOW & action must be taken! @smritiirani" the actor tweeted to Union Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film will hit the silver screen on December 1.