Andhra Police Arrest Comedian Anudeep Katikala in Prayagraj Over Jokes on Deputy CM
Andhra Pradesh police arrested Hyderabad-based stand-up comedian Anudeep Katikala in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, following complaints about jokes targeting Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Ram Charan. The arrest occurred while Katikala was walking with his father, despite his prior public apology for the remarks. The complaint, filed by a leader of the Jana Sena Party (JSP), alleged that Katikala made derogatory comments regarding Kalyan’s personal life and Ram Charan’s relationship dynamics. Videos of the performance had gone viral, sparking outrage among Kalyan’s supporters and the influential Mega family fanbase. An FIR was registered at the Kakinada One Town police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for defamation, causing public mischief, and insulting modesty, as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. Police coordinated with local authorities in Prayagraj to detain Katikala and transport him to Kakinada for recording his statement. This incident highlights the escalating tensions between law enforcement, political figures, and content creators in India over freedom of expression and perceived insults to public officials.
Wire timeline
Andhra Police Arrest Comedian Anudeep Katikala in Prayagraj Over Jokes on Deputy CM
Andhra Pradesh police arrested Hyderabad-based stand-up comedian Anudeep Katikala in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, following complaints about jokes targeting Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Ram Charan. The arrest occurred while Katikala was walking with his father, despite his prior public apology for the remarks. The complaint, filed by a leader of the Jana Sena Party (JSP), alleged that Katikala made derogatory comments regarding Kalyan’s personal life and Ram Charan’s relationship dynamics. Videos of the performance had gone viral, sparking outrage among Kalyan’s supporters and the influential Mega family fanbase. An FIR was registered at the Kakinada One Town police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for defamation, causing public mischief, and insulting modesty, as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. Police coordinated with local authorities in Prayagraj to detain Katikala and transport him to Kakinada for recording his statement. This incident highlights the escalating tensions between law enforcement, political figures, and content creators in India over freedom of expression and perceived insults to public officials.
indianexpress