Actor Kasthuri remanded in judicial custody till Nov 29

CHENNAI: Actor Kasthuri, whom a special team of Chennai police arrested from Hyderabad on Saturday in connection to alleged derogatory remarks against the Telugu community, was brought to Chennai by road and produced before a magistrate on Sunday.

The court remanded her in judicial custody till November 29 and she was lodged in Puzhal Central Prison, the police said. The Egmore police had booked her on November 5 based on a complaint from a Telugu federation seeking action against the actor for her remarks.

While police were searching for Kasthuri, she had sought anticipatory bail at the Madras High Court. However, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court rejected her bail plea.

After her comments drew ire, the actor issued a public apology and retracted the statement she made against the Telugu community during a meeting in the city. Her comments referring to the historical origins of various communities sparked widespread criticism.

Reportedly questioning community classifications, she said, “Three hundred years ago, Telugu-speaking individuals who served the palace were accepted as Tamil. But who can say that Brahmins who came long ago are not Tamil.”

The statement instantly drew backlash from multiple groups, and many demanded legal action against the actor.

After defending herself initially, Kasthuri issued a public apology. “It was not my intention to offend the Telugu community. If my words have unintentionally hurt anyone, I sincerely apologize. I retract all statements made regarding the Telugu community,” she said.

She further added that she received many threats and that her opinions were contextually specific to certain persons and not general to the greater Telugu community.

Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief co-ordinator Seeman had earlier criticised the police case against Kasthuri.