The SR Nagar Police station had filed a case against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, following the complaint filed by Advocate Lal Chauhan.
Published May 05, 2025 | 2:00 PM ⚊ Updated May 05, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Vijay Deverakonda. (X)
Actor Vijay Deverakonda, following the case being registered against him for his alleged remarks against the tribal communities, issued a clarification through his social media account.
The SR Nagar Police station had filed a case against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, following the complaint filed by Advocate Lal Chauhan.
According to The Hindu report, Lal Chauhan claimed the actor’s comments were deeply offensive and amounted to demeaning the tribal population.
In the post, the 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.”
Vijay further reasoned, “I was speaking about unity about how India is one, our people are one, and how we must move forward together. In what world would I, while urging us to stand united as a country, deliberately discriminate against any group of Indians – all of whom I see as my family, like my brothers.”
“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. According to the English dictionary, ‘tribe’ means: ‘A social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect.'”
“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,” the actor apologised.
To my dear brothers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QBGQGOjJBL
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) May 3, 2025
The said comments were Vijay Deverakonda were made at the pre- release event of Suriya’s Retro.
Speaking at the event, while condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Vijay Deverakonda criticised Pakistan, and claimed, “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. I was in Kashmir while filming Kushi, I have very fond memories with the people there.”
Further attacking Pakistan, he added, “Pakistan (government) is unable to take care of their own people, there is no proper electricity or water there. India doesn’t even need to attack Pakistan because Pakistanis themselves are fed up with their government and will attack them if this continues.”
He added, “They are fighting like how tribals fought 500 years ago, without common sense. We need to stand together and move forward as a country.”
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on 22 April 2025, in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, saw gunmen opening fire on a group of unarmed tourists. Police have since identified and named three of the four suspects involved in the attack—two of whom are believed to be Pakistani nationals and the third a local from Kashmir.
