Actor Kasturi has been remanded to judicial custody until November 29 after being arrested by Chennai police in Hyderabad on Saturday. She faces charges related to derogatory comments made about the Telugu-speaking community in Tamil Nadu. The arrest came after a failed attempt to obtain anticipatory bail, with Justice Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court ruling against her application, stating that her remarks constituted hate speech rather than free speech.
Kasturi, who is also known for her activism and political commentary, made the controversial remarks during a Brahmin’s meet on November 3. Following the incident, the All India Telugu Federation lodged a complaint with the Chennai police, prompting an investigation. The police filed an FIR under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 192, which deals with provocation intended to incite a riot.
In her defense, Kasturi claimed the allegations against her were a misunderstanding, arguing that her speech had been twisted to suit vested interests. However, the court noted that her speech could have led to communal unrest between the Tamil and Telugu-speaking communities. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court emphasized that her remarks, which were widely shared on social media, had the potential to incite violence and create long-term tensions.
Despite apologizing for her comments after the video went viral, the court ruled that such apologies could not be used to evade legal consequences. Justice Venkatesh stated that Kasturi’s speech bordered on hate speech, and the court could not overlook the potential damage it could cause to community relations.
Following the dismissal of her anticipatory bail application, Kasturi went into hiding, reportedly staying at a film producer’s residence in Hyderabad. The Greater Chennai Police formed a special team to locate and arrest her. She was subsequently apprehended and transported back to Chennai, where she is now being held in Puzhal Central Prison.
Kasturi’s arrest has sparked a political debate, with the actor claiming her legal troubles are politically motivated. As the case continues, the court and authorities are under pressure to determine the appropriate course of action in response to the controversial remarks and their impact on public order.
Sources By Agencies