Vijay Deverakonda draws backlash over tribal comment, SC/ST case registered for his analogy

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has found himself in legal trouble after a complaint was filed against him under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint comes in response to comments he allegedly made during the audio launch of his film Retro in April. The remarks, which have now gone viral, are being criticised for hurting the sentiments of the tribal community.

According to ANI, the complaint was lodged by Nenavath Ashok Kumar Naik, the State President of the Joint Action Committee of Tribal Communities. It alleges that Deverakonda’s words, made during the pre-release event, were offensive towards tribals. The case has been registered at the Raidurgam Police Station under Cyberabad Police Commissionerate, and an investigation is currently underway.

The controversy stems from Deverakonda’s comments during the Retro audio event, where he discussed the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. He said, “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.”

His analogy, linking terrorism to tribal behaviour from centuries ago, did not sit well with many. Following widespread criticism, Deverakonda issued a public apology on May 3 via social media. In his statement, the actor clarified, “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.”

He also elaborated on the context of his words: “The word ‘tribe’ as I used it was in the historical and dictionary sense — not referring to India’s Scheduled Tribes, but to early human societal organisation, where people fought in clans and groups.”

Ending his note, Deverakonda added, “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.” As the case proceeds, the matter has raised discussions around public figures, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.