3 booked for defacing Raj monument for shooting of Saif`s film

Three crew members of upcoming flick `Agent Vinod` starring Saif Ali Khan have been booked for allegedly defacing and tampering with a protected monument here for the shooting of the film.



The crew members despite not having permission for the shooting painted and damaged some parts of the ancient Kuldhara village, a state protected monument, in preparation for the shooting which was scheduled to begin from today, police said.

After intervention of the state tourism minister, district administration and police officers swung into action and lodged an FIR late last night against the three persons.

"The case was lodged against Rajnish Roy, Chandraprakash and their local manager Tan Singh Bhati for altering, defacing, repainting and damaging some parts of the monuments.

They were also not having permission for shooting," SHO Khuri, Nanda Ram, told reporters today.

"The case was lodged against them under relevant sections of Rajasthan Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Antiquities Act-1961 and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act," he said, adding, no arrest has been made so far.

Tourism Minister Bina Kak said in Jaipur that she was informed by local people of Jaisalmer about the whole episode following which she directed the chief secretary to ask the district collector to take stern action against the guilty people.

"Officers have been directed to restore the original appearance of the monument," she said.


District Collector MP Swamy said that the production house had sought permission for the shooting and their application was being processed.

"They were not granted permission yesterday when it came to light that they altered and damaged the property and began preparations before permission was given to them," the collector said. Meanwhile, the tourism minister has decided to designate an officer to ensure everything is in order during film shooting.

"The (nodal) officer will not only ensure that everything is as per rule at the shooting place but also facilitate them. The officer will help them in getting permission from local body or any other department," she said.

The movie also stars Kareena Kapoor.