Bengaluru, Jun 2 (PTI): Let actor Kamal Haasan go to court, but no theatres in Karnataka will screen 'Thug Life', Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president M Narasimhalu said on Monday.

He was reacting to the news that the co-producer of the film, Raaj Kamal International, had approached the court for protection.

Speaking to PTI Videos, Narasimhalu said they only knew about Haasan's production house approaching the Karnataka High Court after it was reported in the media.

"We will also talk to our legal team. This is not just a film industry issue; this has become a state and language issue. We have received a letter from the government regarding this. So everyone, including pro-Kannada organisations, politicians and the people of the state, has demanded an apology. Let them go to court. We have not done anything against the law. Here, none of our theatres will screen it," said Narasimhalu.

He said the distributors had informed him that they would arrive at a decision on Tuesday after speaking to Haasan, who is right now in Dubai, promoting the film.

"So, after talking to him, they will tell us their decision. We will also discuss the court protection move and take a decision," said Narasimhalu, adding that even the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce has tried reaching out to Haasan.

The actor moved the Karnataka High Court on Monday requesting protection to ensure the smooth release of film 'Thug Life' in the state.

The move comes in response to the KFCC recent announcement that it would not permit the screening of the film in Karnataka unless Haasan issues a public apology for his comment suggesting that Kannada evolved from Tamil.

The actor-politician had clarified that his remarks on Kannada were said out of love and that "love will never apologise".

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Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.

Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.

The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.

However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.

Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.

The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.

Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.

Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.

SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.