Actress Kasthuri to be arrested? High Court denies anticipatory bail to TV presenter for ‘defaming’ Telugu people- The Week

The arrest of actress Kasthuri seems to be impending after the Madras High Court on Thursday denied her anticipatory bail for her alleged derogatory comments against the Telugu community in Tamil Nadu. A  single judge bench of Justice Anand Venkatesh dismissed the anticipatory bail plea filed by the actress.

The outspoken actress made the controversial remark last week during a Brahmin meet in Chennai. The actress claimed Telugu-speaking people in Tamil Nadu were descendants of courtesans who came to serve the kings 300 years ago and now were claiming to be of Tamil race.

Her comments sparked criticism and an FIR was filed by the Naidu Mahajana Sangam State Executive Committee member against the actress.

Kasthuri, however, issued an apology on X, where she said the false news were being spread by Tamil Nadu’s “Goebbels and anti-Hindu DMK network”. “People of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will never fall for their lies. No one dares to insult my love and loyalty for the Telugu land that has given me love and acceptance,” she clarified.

However, the court rejected her bail petition, stating orally that her comments were “unwarranted”. Stating that Kasthuri should have refrained from speaking against the women of the Telugu community, the court said Kasthuri’s apology does not address the comments made against the women.

Kasthuri argued before the court that the complaint against her was filed upon DMK’s instigation and accused the state government of “intolerant and vindictive attitude.” She said that no riot or provocation happened in any community in the light of her speech.

On how she could make such comments against the women of the community, Kasthuri said her remarks were not against the women of the Telugu community but a general statement based on facts. She denied that her statement carried any imputation on the character or morality of Telugu women.

Meanwhile, local reports claimed that the actress is currently missing. Her house in Chennai is locked and her phone is switched off. Her whereabouts are also currently unknown.