Case Filed Against Vijay Deverakonda Under SC/ST Act For Alleged Remarks On Tribals; Here's What The Actor Said

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has landed in trouble for his alleged remarks about tribal people during the pre-release event of Retro. Now, a case has been registered against the actor under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, police informed on Sunday, June 22, as per a report in PTI.

Police case against Vijay Deverakonda

According to police, Vijay Deverakonda allegedly compared the recent Pahalgam terror attack to tribal wars from 500 years ago while speaking at the event this year in April.

A police official told PTI, "The actor made comments in April. However, based on a complaint a case under SC/ST Act was booked against him on June 17."

The complaint has been filed by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik Alias Ashok Rathod, State President, Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities who claimed that Deverakonda, who participated in the pre-release event of Suriya starrer Retro, commented on the tribals that hurt their sentiments. Rathod also alleged that the actor compared tribes with Pakistani terrorists and his comments were perceived as racially offensive.

The case has been registered at the Raidurgam Police Station in the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate.

What Vijay Deverakonda had said about tribals

At the pre-release event, Vijay, while talking about the Pahalgam terror attack, had said, "The solution to what is happening in Kashmir is also to educate them (terrorists) and ensure they don’t get brainwashed. What will they achieve? Kashmir belongs to India, and Kashmiris are ours. India doesn’t even need to attack Pakistan because Pakistanis themselves are fed up with their government and will attack them if this continues. Asalu 500 years back tribals kokkutunnatu, veelu buddi lekunda, minimum common sense lekunda chese panulu." (They behave like tribals did 500 years ago, fighting without common sense).

Vijay Deverakonda issued statement after facing backlash

After being slammed on social media for his remarks, the Liger star took to his X handle and gave a clarification. He wrote, "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."

He also said that he was talking about unity at the event, saying that India is one, its people are one, and how we must move forward together.

"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 concluded his statement.