Bengaluru: An FIR has been lodged against Upendra, a prominent Kannada actor and leader of the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party, invoking the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police authorities have alleged that during a Facebook Live session, the actor spewed offensive language directed at a Dalit community.
Although the actor seems to have deleted the video, he stated that ‘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.’
Shortly after the video, Upendra’s remarks ignited outrage and demonstrations in Ramanagara, Karnataka. A pro-Dalit organisation staged a protest against the actor, and images from the outbreak depicted members of the organisation burning his poster.
The complaint against Upendra at CK Achukattu police station was filed by Madhusudan, an assistant director of the social welfare department, who accused the actor of tarnishing a community’s reputation. Law enforcement has initiated an inquiry into the matter by filing a First Information Report (FIR) in response. The police have registered an atrocity case against Upendra.
Additionally, another FIR has been lodged against him at Halasur Gate Police Station, following a complaint submitted by the leader of a pro-Kannada organisation.
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