Vijay Deverakonda booked under SC/ST Act over controversial remarks at Retro movie event

Hyderabad: Telugu film actor Vijay Deverakonda has been booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after a tribal rights leader filed a complaint accusing him of making deeply offensive and racially charged comments against the tribal community during a public event.

The remarks, allegedly made at a film promotion, have sparked outrage and are now the subject of a formal legal complaint. The complaint was lodged by a tribal leader, claiming the actor’s comments were insulting and racially insensitive.

The complaint was submitted to the XIII Additional Judicial Magistrate of First Class, Ranga Reddy District at Rajendranagar by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, also known as Ashok Rathod, who serves as the State president of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities.

What is the case about?

According to the complainant, the incident occurred on April 26, during the pre-release event of the movie ‘Retro’, starring actor Surya. Vijay Deverakonda, who attended the event, is alleged to have made statements implying that tribal people were unintelligent, lacked common sense and were defeated ‘500 years ago.’

He is also accused of comparing them to Pakistani terrorists, remarks which the complainant states have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Scheduled Tribes community.

The complaint further states that these comments were recorded and widely circulated across various media platforms, including social media, sparking outrage among members of tribal communities.

Acting on the formal written complaint submitted at 10:30 am on June 17, the court has acknowledged the matter. Police are expected to begin an investigation under relevant legal provisions, including those of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, depending on the judicial direction.

Tribal organisations have demanded an official apology from the actor and strict legal action for what they consider to be a public insult to their identity and heritage.

Vijay Deverakonda clarifies remarks, says no intent to offend Scheduled Tribes

Taking on his X account, Vijay Devarakonda 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.

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 - not 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."