Padmavati row: Man found hanging at Rajasthan fort clicked several selfies before death

JAIPUR: Two days after 40-year-old Chetan Saini was found hanging on the outer walls of Jaipur's Nahargarh Fort with messages on Padmavati row on a nearby rock, the police has recovered his cellphone.

Saini reportedly took several selfies which are still saved on his mobile. The cops have handed it over to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) for examination. They are further examining if any video was 

Meanwhile, Saini's family has ruled out suicide angle and called his death a 'murder'.

"My brother cannot commit suicide, it appears to be a murder. Will demand an investigation into the death. He has nothing to do with the threat note written on rocks Padmavati," said Ram Ratan Saini, brother of the deceased. 

Controversial notes were found scribbled on a rock near Saini's hanging body. 

It said,  "Padmavati ka virodh. Hum putle nahin jalate....latkate hain (Padmavati protest. We don't burn effigies, we hang them)".

The release of Sanjay Leela Bansali's mythical-period drama Padmavati has now been postponed following massive outcry across the country from several quarters. 

Protesters issued threats against the director and actors, alleging the depiction of romance between Padmini and Delhi Sultnate ruler Alauddin Khilji insults the Rajput community. The filmmakers have denied the allegations. 

It protests tuned grotesque with Saini's death and the scribbled messages. Other such writings in the fort also hinted the death could be a fallout of protests, sparking sensation in Rajasthan's capital city.

"It's premature to comment on the issue. Investigations are on," said Satyendra Singh, DCP Jaipur (North) told DNA. 

Lokendra Singh Kalvi of Karni Sena, at the forefront of protests, said the incident was regrettable. Rajput leader Giriaj Singh Lotwara demanded a probe and said everything should not be linked to the Padmavati controversy.

Police sources added that the writings could be an attempt to mislead investigations since the deceased is not a Rajput. 

On Saturday, members of Rajput Karni Sena on Saturday launched a fresh protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati'. The police resorted to lathicharge to control the protests.