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In April, during Retro audio launch, actor Vijay Deverakonda allegedly compared the terror attack in Pahalgam to tribal wars from 500 years ago.
The complaint was filed by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik alleging that Vijay Deverakonda made offensive remarks against the tribal community
A complaint has been filed against actor Vijay Deverakonda under the SC/ST Act for allegedly making remarks that hurt the sentiments of the tribal community, reports ANI. The complaint was filed by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, the State President of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities, alleging that Vijay Deverakonda made offensive remarks against the tribal community during a pre-release event for the film Retro. The case has been registered at Raidurgam Police Station in Cyberabad, and an investigation is currently underway.
Vijay Deverakonda reportedly made the comments in April during the pre-release event of the film ‘Retro’, when he allegedly compared the recent terror attack in Pahalgam to tribal wars from 500 years ago. At the event, he talked about Pahalgam incident in Kashmir, stating, “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. They behave like tribals did 500 years ago, fighting without common sense.”
After facing backlash over the remark, Vijay Dverakonda had issued a public apology on May 3. In a statement shared on social media, the ‘Liger’ actor 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.”
To further clarify his intent, he said, “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.”
“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,” he concluded.
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