NEW DELHI: The Centre has issued an alert to the Punjab and Haryana governments, with the Union home ministry writing to these states that a movie releasing on January 16 starring controversial godman Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim could lead to communal tensions. The movie " Messenger of God " is scheduled to release on January 16 and is awaiting clearance from the Censor Board.

It stars Rahim who has recently been booked by CBI for carrying out forceful castration of his devotees. The home ministry, in a communique to both the states, has said there could be huge protests against the movie close to its release date and has pointed out that tensions could rise as all major Sikh organisations have objected to the contents of the movie and are planning protests.

Both the states have been told to maintain adequate security near cinema halls and ensure that communal tensions do not rise. "We can't stop the movie from releasing if it gets due clearance from the Censor Board.

The I&B ministry has asked the Board to take a closer look at the movie," a home ministry official told ET.

The Akal Takht, Dal Khalsa, All India Sikh Students Federation and Haryana SGPC have already called for a ban on the movie, saying it will hurt religious sentiments of people. There have been protests in various parts of Punjab, with protesters burning down movie posters. A premiere of the movie scheduled in Gurgaon on Saturday was cancelled at the last minute.