Latest news with #TribalWelfareAssociationofTelangana
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda booked for remarks ‘likening Pakistan to tribals'
The Hyderabad police have booked Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for an alleged derogatory statement he made on tribals at a public event. The actor allegedly made the comments during a promotional event for a film in April this year. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, he likened Pakistan to a tribal community at the event. The Tribal Welfare Association of Telangana referenced the comment and filed a complaint at Hyderabad's Raidurgam police station against Deverakonda on June 17. 'The complaint was studied and case booked as it is a serious offence to pass disparaging remarks against any caste or tribe,' a Telangana police official told the Indian Express. On Sunday, Deverakonda issued a public apology and clarification. He wrote, 'The word tribe, as I used it, was meant in the historical and dictionary sense – referring to a time centuries ago when human society globally was organised into tribes and clans, often in conflict. It was never a reference to the Scheduled Tribes classification, which was introduced during colonial and post-colonial India and formalised only in the mid-20th century – not even 100 years ago.' 'There was no intention to hurt or target any community, especially our Scheduled Tribes, who I deeply respect and consider an integral part of our country,' he wrote. 'If any part of my message was misunderstood or hurtful, I express my sincere regret. My only aim was to speak of peace, progress, and togetherness. I remain committed to using my platform to uplift and unify — never to divide.' Deverakonda, among the highest-paid actors in the Telugu film industry, rose to prominence after starring as the lead in Pelli Choopulu (2016) and Arjun Reddy (2017). In 2019, he launched his own production house called King of the Hill Entertainment.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
South actor Vijay Deverakonda faces case remarks on tribals, booked under SC/ST Act; says no intent to offend, issues clarification
HYDERABAD: Actor Vijay Deverakonda has been booked for alleged defamatory comments against tribal communities. Deverakonda reportedly made the comments during a recent movie promotion event. The case was registered at the Raidurgam police station following a complaint from a tribal organisation. Raidurgam station house officer Ch Venkanna confirmed that a complaint was lodged on June 17. An inquiry was taken up, and subsequently, a case was registered against the actor under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Since the case was under the SC/ST Act, it would be handed over to assistant commissioner of police (ACP), Madhapur, for further investigation, as the Act mandates investigation by an ACP (Deputy SP) rank officer. The actor reportedly made the comments during a movie promotional event, where he made remarks related to the situation between India and Pakistan and likened the neighbouring country to the tribal community. Upset with his comments, Tribal Welfare Association of Telangana lodged a complaint. No intention to target any group: Actor Responding to the controversy on 'X', Deverakonda issued a clarification saying that there was no intention to offend or target any group. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40세 넘고 PC만 있으면? 이 게임 완전 내 거임! Hero Wars 플레이하기 Undo He explained that the comments were made in the context of advocating unity and national togetherness. "India is one, our people are one," he said, adding that he sees all Indians as his own family. The actor clarified that his use of the word "tribe" was in the historical and linguistic sense - referencing ancient global social structures - and not in relation to India's legally recognized Scheduled Tribes. Deverakonda stressed that his words were misconstrued and expressed regret, if they caused any hurt. "My only aim was to speak of peace, progress, and togetherness," he said. "I remain committed to using my platform to uplift and unify - never to divide," he added.
