Vijay Deverakonda Booked Under SC/ST Act Over Remarks On Tribals; Expresses Regret

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has found himself embroiled in controversy after a case was filed against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for remarks he made about tribal communities during the pre-release event of the film Retro. The police confirmed the development to PTI on Sunday.

Case Filed Against Vijay Deverakonda

According to police officials, although the comments-comparing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam to tribal warfare from 500 years ago-were made in April, a case was registered against the actor on 17 June following a formal complaint.

Photo Credit: x.com/TheDeverakonda

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

The complaint was filed by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, also known as Ashok Rathod, the State President of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities.

Rathod alleged that during the pre-release event of Retro, starring actor Surya, Vijay Deverakonda made statements that offended tribal communities and caused significant distress.

He further claimed that the actor's comparison of tribal people to Pakistani terrorists was racially insensitive.

What Vijay Deverakonda Said

Speaking at the audio launch event of Surya's film Retro, Vijay commented on the Pahalgam terror attack, saying: "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.)

Following backlash on social media, the actor issued a statement expressing regret. Taking to X, 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."

Vijay clarified that his comments were intended to promote unity, asserting that India and its people are one, and that progress should be a shared goal. He said he could not fathom how, while advocating for national togetherness, anyone might believe he was intentionally singling out or discriminating against a community he considers family.

He concluded: "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. Vijay Deverakonda."