Popular Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda has been booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly making derogatory remarks about tribal communities during a pre-release event for the film Retro in April 2025. The case was registered on June 17 at the Raidurgam Police Station in Cyberabad following a complaint by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, State President of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities.
🗣️ What Triggered the Controversy?
During his speech at the event, Deverakonda reportedly compared the Pahalgam terror attack to tribal wars from 500 years ago, allegedly stating that the attackers behaved like “tribals without common sense.” The remarks were perceived as racially offensive and insulting to the dignity of tribal communities, prompting widespread backlash.
📜 Legal Action and Investigation
The FIR cites violations under the SC/ST Act, and the case has been handed over to a senior officer for investigation, as mandated by law. The complaint also included video evidence from the event, which was widely circulated on social media and YouTube.
🙏 Actor Issues Clarification
In response to the uproar, Vijay Deverakonda issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing regret and clarifying that his comments were not intended to offend any community. He explained that the term “tribe” was used in a historical and linguistic context, not in reference to India’s legally recognized Scheduled Tribes.
“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 wrote.
🔍 What’s Next?
The case is currently under investigation, and authorities have yet to determine whether formal charges will be filed. The incident has reignited conversations around celebrity accountability, freedom of speech, and sensitivity toward marginalized communities.
Stay tuned for developments in this ongoing case.
