HYDERABAD: The city police on Monday externed Tollywood actor and film critic Kathi Mahesh from Hyderabad for six months. The police had booked him for allegedly disrespecting Hindu deities. The actor had created a controversy early this month when he made some derogatory statements against Lord Rama and Sita during a debate on a local Telugu news channel. Members of Hindu organisationss lodged complaints against him at the Banjara Hills police station.
On July 2, the police registered a case against Mahesh under the Indian Penal Code including Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings) and questioned him. A total three cases were registered against Mahesh. Director-General of Police M. Mahendar Reddy said: “Kathi Mahesh has been externed from Hyderabad city for the next six months under the Telangana Prevention of Anti-Social and Hazardous Activities Act.
The proceedings were initiated in view of the derogatory statements made by him on multiple occasions leading to hurting of sentiments of large sections of people and adversely affecting even tempo of life.” The police served the orders on him and escorted him to Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh and dropped him at his native place. The DGP said that if Mahesh returned to the city within this period, a fresh case would be registered against him.
The DGP said that if Mahesh returned to the city within this period, a fresh case would be registered against him and legal proceedings initiated. To a question about the cases and legal proceedings, the DGP said that Mahesh would be allowed to attend court in the city whenever his presence was required. Mr Mahendar Reddy said that the Telangana police, if need be, would issue orders to extern him from the entire state.
The police has issued a showcause notice to the management of a Telugu TV channel responsible for telecasting “malicious content hurting religious sentiments”. Police directed them to explain why they should not be prosecuted for the offences under the relevant sections of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.
“Media channels cannot be permitted to act as platforms for nurturing and promoting divisive tendencies among various groups based on caste, community and religion leading to law and order problems, which is a violation of law,” DGP M. Mahendar Reddy said.
He said that certain elements, with ulterior motives, had been trying to hurt the sentiments of the people of a particular religion in the last two weeks, resulting in disharmony. The official said that keeping developments in view, it is decided to take stern action against any individual or groups trying to disturb peace in the city and the state.
