Actress Kasthuri faces charges under four sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita following a complaint by the All India Telugu Federation after she made controversial remarks about Telugu-speaking Dravidianists.
The complaint, filed at the Chennai Police Commissioner’s Office, led the Egmore police to register a case, with charges including inciting discord between groups.
On 3 November 3 2024, a demonstration in Egmore, organized by the Indu Makal Katchi led by its leader Arjun Sampath, called for protective legislation for Brahmins. Kasthuri also joined this demonstration, where her comments about the Telugu-speaking Dravidianists sparked backlash, leading to calls for her arrest and complaints filed in Chennai, Madurai, and other cities.
Targeting those in the DMK and other Dravidianists, she had said “300 years back those who came to service in Andhapuram (royal harem) for a king, those who spoke Telugu are claiming ‘Tamil is their race’. Who are you to say Brahmins are not Tamils who came much before? Who among you are Tamils?”
In response to the controversy, Kasthuri addressed the media on 4 November 2024, claiming her statements had been misinterpreted. On 5 November 2024, she issued a formal apology, clarifying that her remarks were context-specific and not directed at the broader Telugu community, and reaffirmed her intention was never to offend.
My statement.
Jai Hind. pic.twitter.com/KSz0BRxz6D— Kasturi (@KasthuriShankar) November 5, 2024
Despite her apology, the All India Telugu Federation has rejected it, stating that Kasthuri should apologize before the court and urging police to take appropriate action against her. The All India Boyar Women’s Development Association too had filed a complaint at Uppilipuram police station in Tiruchi district. The Egmore police have proceeded with the case, which includes charges for inciting unrest and attempting to foster division between groups.
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