Second FIR lodged against actor Upendra over alleged casteist remarks

Kannada actor and Uttama Prajaakeeya Party founder Upendra’s recent social media live session landed him in trouble after he allegedly used objectionable remarks against a Scheduled Caste (SC) ‘Holeya’ community. After Chennamanakere Achhukattu, the second FIR was lodged against him at Halasuru Gate Police Station under the SC and ST (Atrocities Prevention) Act.

While speaking about individuals spraying negative comments about his Uttama Prajaakeeya Party, the actor-turned-politician compared them to the ‘Holeya’ community, an SC community mainly found in regions of Karnataka and Kerala. “When there’s a village, there’ll be a ‘Holageri’ (Quarter of village where the community- ‘Holeyas’ are made to reside),” said the actor in the live video, which was deleted after outrage. 

“Change can happen only with innocent hearts. I wish for innocent hearts to join us and speak up. Their suggestions will benefit us. They won’t speak carelessly or insult someone. There are some who have a lot of time on their hands. They comment on whatever comes to their mind. Can’t do anything about them. If there’s a town, it will have Dalits. Similarly, these kinds of people also exist. Let’s ignore them. Let’s not read those comments. Patriotism is when you love people,” he said. 

Upendra tenders apology 

After landing in trouble over the controversial remarks, the actor-turned-politician took to social media and tendered his apology, stating how he ‘accidentally’ made those remarks. “Today on Instagram and Facebook Live, I accidentally made a wrong statement. As soon as I learned that it has hurt the sentiments of people, I deleted that video from my social media. I apologize for my statement,” he wrote. Meanwhile, the complainant in the FIR asserted that Upendra is a public figure and holds influence among the masses. He should have set a positive example for his social media followers, it added.