Actress Kasturi Shankar Remanded In Judicial Custody Over Alleged Remarks Against Telugu Community

Kasturi Shankar Remanded Following Arrest: Actress Kasturi Shankar was remanded in judicial custody by the Vth Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Egmore until November 29 after being arrested by the Egmore police. The arrest followed allegations that she made derogatory remarks against the Telugu-speaking community during a public event in Tamil Nadu. After the court's remand order, she was taken to the Puzhal prison under police escort.

As per a report by the Times of India, an investigation officer stated that Kasturi was hiding at the residence of film producer Hari Krishnan in Hyderabad. She was reportedly using Hari's mobile phone to contact her friends and lawyer while evading the police. Her arrest was carried out by a special team of the Greater Chennai Police on November 17, 2024, with assistance from Cyberabad police.

According to a report by The Hindu, the controversy stemmed from Kasturi's remarks made on November 3 during a protest in Chennai. The event addressed Brahmin rights and opposed alleged discrimination against Hindus. During her speech, Kasturi allegedly made inflammatory comments about the origins of certain Telugu-speaking communities in Tamil Nadu. A video of her speech, which was shared on a YouTube channel, caused widespread backlash.

Multiple Complaints Filed Against Kasturi Shankar

The All India Telugu Federation filed a complaint on November 5, accusing Kasturi of defaming Telugu-speaking women. Several complaints and legal notices followed, filed in both Chennai and Madurai. The Egmore police charged her under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions for inciting public mischief, promoting enmity between groups, and causing public alarm.

Despite issuing an apology and claiming her remarks were misinterpreted, Kasturi's anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Following this, a special police team was dispatched to Telangana, where she was apprehended. Legal proceedings against the actress are ongoing.