Hyderabad, June 22, 2025 — A legal complaint under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been filed against popular Tollywood actor Vijay Devarakonda following controversial remarks made during the pre-release event of his film Retro on April 26 in Hyderabad. The actor compared the Pahalgam terror attack to “tribal warfare from 500 years ago,” triggering backlash from tribal organizations and legal groups.

What Triggered the Complaint?

The complaint was filed by Kishan Raj Chauhan, President of the Tribal Lawyers’ Association, at SR Nagar Police Station. According to Chauhan, Devarakonda’s comments—referring to terrorists as behaving “like the tribals fought 500 years ago”—were derogatory and humiliating to tribal communities. Activist groups and tribal representatives supported the demand for action, calling the remarks a public insult of tribal identities.

Police and Legal Response

Authorities at SR Nagar confirmed that a general diary entry has been registered. However, they are awaiting legal counsel before proceeding with a formal FIR under the SC/ST Act, which treats such offenses as serious and, in many cases, non-bailable.

Legal experts suggest that if a public statement is deemed to demean a protected group, such as Scheduled Tribes, it can fall within the purview of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which seeks to deter caste- and tribe-based discrimination.

Vijay Devarakonda’s Clarification

In response to the controversy, Vijay Devarakonda issued a public apology, explaining that his use of the term “tribal” was not caste-based and was meant in a historic and metaphorical context. He reiterated his respect for tribal communities and emphasized that his intention was to promote unity and inclusivity, not offend or stereotype any community.

Cultural Sensitivity in the Spotlight

This incident underscores the heightened sensitivity in India around caste, community, and historical identity—especially in public discourse. Legal observers note that celebrities and influencers must exercise greater care when referencing historical or marginalized communities, even in metaphorical contexts.

The SC/ST Act is stringent in its protections, and the public nature of the statement could be a critical factor if formal charges proceed.

What’s Next?

• SR Nagar Police will decide on filing charges based on legal opinion.
• If booked under the SC/ST Act, Devarakonda could face non-bailable proceedings.
• The matter may escalate into judicial hearings, with possible restrictions on public commentary by the actor during the investigation.

Why This Case Matters

This case is a reminder that public figures carry added responsibility in a diverse, socially layered country like India. Even unintentional remarks can trigger legal and social consequences, particularly when they touch upon sensitive issues like tribal identity or caste history.

For Bollywood and Tollywood stars alike, the message is clear: words carry weight, and cultural sensitivity is no longer optional—it’s a public expectation.