Film critic arrested for allegedly calling Lord Rama a 'cheater'

Hyderabad, July 4: Telugu film critic Kathi Mahesh has been arrested by the police for making derogatory comments against Lord Rama and Sita. Pro-Hindu outfits had filed complaint against Mahesh alleging that he made the offensive comments during a debate on a television channel, said reports.

A case was registered against him for hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity and hatred.

Mahesh is alleged to have said during the debate that 'Ramayana is just another story' and even questioned the ideals of Lord Rama, who is revered by Hindus.

"I think perhaps Sita would have been better, might have gotten justice if she had stayed with Ravana. What's wrong with that?" he reportedly said during the debate.

Mahesh is said to have used Telugu word "dagulbhaji" to describe Lord Rama. The word roughly translates to "Cheater".

According to reports, activists of some right-wing Hindu organisations on Saturday tried to attack him when he was at the office of a news channel in Banjara Hills.