Vijay Deverakonda clarifies after his speech in Retro audio launch event sparks controversy

"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," he said.

Hyderabad: Two days after a police case was registered against actor Vijay Deverakonda, at SR Nagar police have registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against actor Vijay Deverakonda, for his alleged remarks against tribals, the actor tendered an apology, if his remarks had hurt anyone.

In a message shared on his instagram account, the actor stated that he was speaking about unity – about how India is one and how we the countrymen must move forward together.

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His post read “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.”

According to the complaint lodged by an advocate, Lal Chauhan, the actor while referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, allegedly compared the incident to historic clashes involving tribal communities. The advocate claimed that the actor’s comments were deeply offensive and amounted to demeaning the tribal population.

“The actor’s reference to tribal communities in the context of terrorism is unacceptable and dangerous,” said association president Kishan Raj Chauhan.

Official Statement from @TheDeverakonda
#VijayDevarakonda pic.twitter.com/C47oizSxr4

— VRMadhuPR (@VRMadhuPR) May 3, 2025