Case on Vijay Deverakonda for Speaking Ill of Tribals

 Hyderabad: The Raidurgam police have registered a case against actor Vijay Deverakonda under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (POA Act). The case was filed following remarks made by the actor during a pre-release event, in which he allegedly compared India-Pakistan tensions to tribal conflicts.

The complaint was lodged on May 26 by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, also known as Ashok Rathod, state president of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities. According to Raidurgam Inspector Ch. Venkanna, the actor, while speaking at a pre-launch event for the movie Retro at JRC Convention Centre, referred to tribal communities in a context linked to terrorism. Acting on the complaint, police booked the actor under Section 3(1)(r) of the POA Act. The case is currently under investigation and is being overseen by Madhapur ACP Ch. Sreedhar.

In a clarification, Vijay Deverakonda said, "It has come to my attention that a remark I made during the Retro audio launch event has caused concern among some members of the public. I wish to sincerely clarify: there was absolutely no intention to hurt or target any community, especially our Scheduled Tribes, who I deeply respect and consider an integral part of our country."

"I was speaking about unity about how India is one, our people are one, and how we must move forward together. In what world would I, while urging us to stand united as a country, deliberately discriminate against any group of Indians all of whom I see as my family, like my brothers."

"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 organized 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 formalized only in the mid-20th century even 100 years ago."

"According to the English dictionary, "tribe" means: "A social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect."

"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," he added.