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Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007
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Court orders protection to Chiranjeevi’s daughter, her husband

Staff Reporter

No threat from family, counsel tells judge; Srija welcome back home, says uncle and actor Pawan Kalyan

— Photos: PTI/ Manvender V. Love, Mohammed Yousuf

Real life drama: Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi’s daughter Srija and son-in-law Shirish Bharadwaj speak to the media at the Delhi High Court on Monday after seeking police protection.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Monday ordered police protection to Telugu film actor Chiranjeevi’s daughter Srija and her husband in view of the couple’s perceived “threat to their lives” after she married Shirish Bharadwaj against the wishes of her family.

The couple, who were present, informed the court that there was no specific threat as they had not received any threatening call. However, they had to change several vehicles during their journey from Hyderabad to Delhi for fear that they might be kidnapped.

Counsel for Mr. Chiranjeevi said the actor had told the media that there was no threat to his daughter and son-in-law from him or his family and he wished them a happy married life.

However, Justice S.N. Dhingra wanted Mr. Chiranjeevi to appear in the court and record his statement giving consent to the marriage. To this suggestion, counsel sought time for taking instructions from his client.

The judge then directed the Delhi police to ensure protection for the newly-weds till October 29, next date of hearing.

The court asked them to provide their address in the capital to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, so that he could deploy security personnel.

Srija later told reporters that she was happy that her father had informed the court that he had no objection to her marriage with Shirish. She would like her parents to bless them.

Pawan Kalyan deposits revolver

Hyderabad Special Correspondent reports:

Pawan Kalyan, actor and younger brother of Mr. Chiranjeevi, deposited his revolver in a police station in Hyderabad. He also announced that he was creating an organisation, ‘Common Man Protection Force’.

Chiranjeevi’s brother Pawan Kalyan surrenders his revolver at a police station in Hyderabad on Monday.

The actor dramatically walked into the Jubilee Hills station, holding the revolver in one hand and the licence in the other, with fans and television crew in tow. Mr. Pawan Kalyan said he handed over the weapon in the wake of apprehensions expressed by Srija. He said he was pained at her remarks.

Later, at a press conference at his residence, he announced the launching of a protection force to help people like Srija.

For ‘better society’

He wrote a cheque for Rs. 1 crore, which, he said, would be operated by the Common Man Protection Force for the creation of a “better society.” Fluorosis victims of Nalgonda district and those living in penury could access the Force for assistance.

“Fight for your rights”

Referring to the petition filed by Srija seeking protection, the actor wondered why the newly-weds moved the court as they were welcome to stay at his or his brother’s house. He advised them to return to Hyderabad and fight for their rights. “True love does not run away.”

Mr. Pawan Kalyan said he was a member of the Madras Rifle Club and had possessed an arms licence since 1998. He said he did not require the revolver now.

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