FIR Filed Against Kannada Actor Upendra For Using Derogatory Remarks Against Dalits

Popular Kannada film actor and director Upendra lands into trouble for using a derogatory proverb about Dalits. An FIR has been filed against the actor under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Upendra was live on Facebook talking about his political party Prajakeeya when he made that controversial statement. During the interaction, he cited "If there is a town, it inevitably will have Dalits."

The actor who seemed to have deleted the video, said, "Change can happen only with innocent hearts. I wish for innocent hearts to join us and speak up. Their suggestions will benefit us. They won't speak carelessly or insult someone. There are some who have a lot of time in their hands. They comment on whatever comes to their mind. Can't do anything about them. If there's a town, it will have Dalits. Similarly, these kinds of people also exist. Let's ignore them. Let's not read those comments. Patriotism is when you love people."

The video went viral, prompting backlash from Dalit groups. However, Upendra was quick to apologise on Facebook.

"During today's live interaction on my social media account, I slipped my tongue and quoted an old proverb. I have noticed that many people are disappointed with my statement. I extend apologies to everyone for using the proverb and have deleted the video from my social media accounts," Upendra wrote in Kannada.

However, the Samatha Sainik Dal (SSD) wrote to the Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department, Madhusudhan K N, who registered a complaint at the CK Achukattu police station.

The complaint demanded strict action against the actor. SSD youth wing president, Gopal Giriyappa, said the context in which Upendra used the proverb suggested that a Dalit community was "troublemakers and unimportant", which has hurt the community.

He demanded a public apology from Upendra. P Krishnakant, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), said the police were reviewing the video to ascertain the actor's statement. Any further action will be taken accordingly, he added.