Booked for casteist slur in FB Live, Kannada actor-politician Upendra blames slip of tongue

Kannada actor and politician Upendra is in hot water over his recent use of a casteist slur in a Facebook Live video. The actor-cum-politician has been booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and several protests have been staged against the actor's remarks. So far, two FIRs have been registered against the actor.

Bengaluru police have also met with the actor and issued him a notice. He has also been summoned for questioning by Chennammana Kere Achukattu police.

What did Upendra say?

On the sixth anniversairy of Upendra's political party, Prajakeeya, the actor-politician took to a Facebook Live video to speak about societal change. 

• The word "Holageri" is referred to a region where the Holeya community resides. This region used to be outside a village as the community members were considered untouchables. 

• Upendra has been accused of using the word negatively, further perpetuating casteist prejudices and injustices towards the community members.
• They also said that the use of the slur by an influential figure like Upendra only encouraged his fans and followers to do the same. 

• A case was registered against the actor on August 13 at Bengaluru's CK Achukattu police station. 
• A second FIR has been filed at Halasuru Gate Police Station. 
• Upendra has since deleted the video and apologised for using the derogatory word. 

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However, soon after, Upendra also tweeted on X saying that the whole situation was being blown out of proportion by people who don't know his life story, being born into poverty and struggling to rise above by himself. 

This once again did not go down with many, who criticised him for being insensitive towards the suffering of the SC/ST communities despite experiencing extreme poverty. 

Protesters have burned effigies of Upendra. The police have promised to take action against the actor according to the law. Punishment under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act includes minimum imprisonment of 6 months with or without a fine. 

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