MNS goons beat up multiplex manager in Pune, record video

Shiv Kumar

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Tribune News Service

Mumbai, June 29

A group of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists led by Kishore Shinde, the party's former councillor in the Pune Municipal Corporation beat up the manager of the PVR Icon multiplex in Pune's Kothrud area on Thursday for allegedly selling popcorn at inflated prices.

In a video uploaded by the party workers, Shinde along with other MNS workers are seen arguing with the manager over the pricing of food products at the multiplex's food court. Suddenly, Shinde slaps the manager across the face and others with him also join in beating up the man. 

Later Shinde told reporters that MNS had received complaints from people that food was sold at high prices at the multiplex. "Popcorn worth Rs 5 was being sold for Rs 250. We told the manager that even the Bombay High Court has called for prices to be reduced. But the manager said he did not read the newspapers. So we taught him a lesson in 'MNS style', Shinde has been quoted as saying.

The Chatushringi police station in Pune booked Shinde and several other MNS workers after the multiplex management filed a complaint against them.  The MNS has threatened similar action against multiplexes across the
state for selling food products at inflated prices. Incidentally, the Bombay High Court which is hearing a public interest
litigation petition has questioned multiplexes for charging exorbitant rates for food products even while prohibiting patrons from bringing in their own food items.

The HC bench noted that multiplexes were forcing even elderly people and those with medical conditions to buy food at higher prices and has asked the Maharashtra government to regulate the same