Inox withdraws Da Vinci Code in Goa

Bowing to threats from some quarters to forcibly stop the screening of the controversial film, Da Vinci Code, a multiplex here today withdrew the movie prompting Christian groups to stop their agitation against it.

"We have withdrawn the film in Goa, respecting public sentiments. There is no written communication of any sort about a ban on the movie from the state government," said Snehal Chitneni, Head "� public relations, Inox Entertainment.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Churchill Alemao, who had warned that he would forcibly stop the screening of the film, said, "It's a victory for the Lord. We are withdrawing the agitation as Inox has stopped screening the movie."

Earlier, catholic leaders under the banner of the anti-blasphemous action front, criticised the Inox multiplex for screening the movie for the past two days despite opposition from the people.

Inox management withdrew the movie before a scheduled meeting of Christian groups at the Panaji church hall.

Chitneni, however, denied the step was a fallout of the warning issued by Alemao and his supporters yesterday.

The Christian groups held their meeting and warned Inox "not to play with the people's sentiments".

"There cannot be a fiction on God, you can have fiction on human beings," said Alemao while addressing the meeting.