Archive · 11 Sep 2026
VHP, Bajrang Dal Seek FIR Over Mumbai Multiplex Dispute
A movie screening was cancelled at Mumbai’s G7 Multiplex on September 6, 2026.
VHP and Bajrang Dal members say the cinema hall was being used for a private religious gathering instead.
They complained to the police and asked for a formal criminal case.
Their complaint says the gathering may have threatened public order and religious harmony.
They also alleged that the event lacked required permissions.
Police later closed the multiplex, reportedly because its operating licences had not been renewed.
The complainants said the closure was connected to the incident.
The multiplex’s executive director had earlier said technical problems caused the disruption.
VHP and Bajrang Dal representatives filed a complaint at Bandra West Police Station over a cancelled screening at G7 Multiplex.
The complaint alleges that the auditorium was used for an unauthorised private religious gathering instead of screening Hanuman Ansh.
The groups sought an FIR under Sections 196, 299 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police later shut the multiplex, with police sources citing non-renewal of operating licences.
G7 executive director Manoj Desai previously attributed the cancelled shows and disruption to damaged internal cabling and technical faults.
- Who
- Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal representatives filed the complaint against G7 Multiplex management.
- What
- They sought an FIR over a cancelled movie screening and alleged unauthorised use of an auditorium for a private religious gathering.
- When
- The screening was scheduled for September 6, 2026; the complaint was dated September 8, and the report was published September 10, 2026.
- Where
- The incident involved G7 Multiplex, also known as the Gaiety-Galaxy complex, in Bandra, Mumbai.
- Why
- The groups alleged that the gathering lacked required permissions and could threaten public order and communal harmony.
Complainants’ allegations
Police and multiplex explanations
Reason for the cancelled screening
Complainants’ allegations
VHP and Bajrang Dal representatives alleged that the auditorium was leased for an unauthorised private religious gathering instead of showing Hanuman Ansh.
Police and multiplex explanations
G7 executive director Manoj Desai previously said the cancelled shows resulted from technical faults and damaged internal cabling.
Reason for the multiplex shutdown
Complainants’ allegations
The complainants maintained that the police action was connected to the weekend incident involving the alleged gathering.
Police and multiplex explanations
Police sources said the complex was shut because its operating licences had not been renewed.
Police response to the complaint
Complainants’ allegations
Gautam Ravaria alleged that authorities failed to acknowledge the complaint and instead accused members of tearing down film posters.
Police and multiplex explanations
The senior police inspector was unavailable for comment, so the article does not provide a direct police response to that allegation.
- Venue
- G7 Multiplex, commonly known as the Gaiety-Galaxy complex
- Cancelled film
- Hanuman Ansh
- Complaint filed
- At Bandra West Police Station
- Complaint date
- September 8, 2026
- Requested legal provisions
- Sections 196, 299 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Police action
- The multiplex was shut down on the following Monday
- Alternative explanation
- G7 executive director Manoj Desai attributed the disruption to damaged internal cabling and technical faults