Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda faces a legal case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, for alleged derogatory remarks about tribal communities during a film event in Hyderabad. Filed on June 17, 2025, at Raidurgam Police Station, the case stems from a complaint by tribal leader Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik. Why? The remarks, made at the Retro pre-release event, were deemed offensive. How did it escalate? A viral video amplified the controversy.
In This Article:
The Controversial Remarks
On April 26, 2025, at the Retro pre-release event, Deverakonda discussed the Pahalgam terror attack, allegedly comparing terrorists’ actions to “tribals fighting 500 years ago without intelligence or common sense” and likening them to “Pakistani terrorists.” The comments, broadcast via Sithara Entertainment’s YouTube channel (99,000+ views), sparked outrage among tribal groups, who found them racially offensive and insulting to their dignity.
Legal Action and Response
Naik, state president of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities, filed the complaint, citing Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act, which addresses intentional insults to Scheduled Tribes. A separate complaint by lawyer Lal Chauhan at SR Nagar Police Station also highlighted the remarks’ insensitivity. The police are investigating, with legal proceedings ongoing.
Deverakonda’s Clarification
On May 3, 2025, Deverakonda posted on X, clarifying that “tribe” referred to historical clans, not Scheduled Tribes, and was meant in a global context. He expressed regret, stating, “If my words hurt anyone, I sincerely apologize. My aim was peace and unity.” Despite this, the case proceeded, reflecting the Act’s stringent enforcement.
Implications and Context
The SC/ST Act, rooted in India’s Constitution, protects marginalized communities from discrimination. This case underscores the scrutiny public figures face and the sensitivity surrounding tribal issues. As investigations continue, the controversy highlights the need for cultural awareness in public discourse.
-By Manoj H