Actor Vijay Deverakonda has been booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly making offensive remarks about tribal communities during a film event earlier this year, police said on Sunday.
According to officials, the incident occurred in April during the pre-release event of the film Retro, starring actor Surya.
During his speech, Deverakonda allegedly compared the recent terror attack in Pahalgam to tribal wars from 500 years ago, which sparked outrage.
Based on a complaint filed by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, also known as Ashok Rathod—State President of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities — a case was officially registered against Deverakonda on June 17.
Rathod accused the actor of making racially offensive comments and claimed that the comparison between tribal groups and Pakistani terrorists deeply insulted and hurt the sentiments of tribal communities.
In response to the backlash, Deverakonda issued a public clarification on May 3 via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He stated that his words were never intended to target or offend any group, especially Scheduled Tribes, whom he respects.
“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, unify — never divide,” he wrote.
Police confirmed that the case is under investigation.
