A criminal complaint has been filed before a Tirupati court against film actor Prakash Raj over allegedly derogatory remarks about Hindu deities and the epic Ramayana, escalating a controversy that began at a public literary event. The complaint was lodged on Monday, 15 June before the IV-Additional Judicial Magistrate of First Class in Tirupati.

Who Filed the Complaint

G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Trust Board, filed the complaint. Reddy alleged that Prakash Raj made 'inflammatory' statements at the Kerala Literature Festival and at other public forums, remarks that were subsequently circulated widely on social media.

What the Complaint Alleges

According to the complaint, the actor allegedly claimed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana travelled from North India to 'invade' the South, which he reportedly equated to 'Lanka'. Reddy stated that on 17 April, he came across a video on social media in which Prakash Raj purportedly made 'highly derogatory, factually incorrect, inflammatory and malicious statements' regarding Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and the Ramayana.

The complainant further alleged that the actor wilfully promoted the divisive 'Aryan-Dravidian' theory, incited regional animosity, and undermined India's cultural and religious unity. The TTD Trust Board member contended that these statements caused 'widespread hurt and outrage' among the Hindu community.

Legal Sections Invoked

The complaint invokes two sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Section 299, which pertains to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting a religion or its beliefs, and Section 196, which addresses promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, or residence. Reddy requested the court to take cognisance of the alleged offences and summon the accused for punishment in accordance with the law.

Broader Context

The complaint comes amid a recurring national debate over the boundaries of free speech and religious sentiment, particularly at literary and cultural festivals. Remarks touching on the Aryan-Dravidian narrative have historically drawn sharp political reactions, with critics arguing they deepen regional fault lines. Notably, this is not the first time public statements made at literary festivals have triggered legal action under religious-sentiment provisions.

Prakash Raj has not publicly responded to the complaint as of the time of this report. The court is yet to indicate whether it will take cognisance of the matter.