Namma Karunada Yuva Sena leader booked for burning actor’s poster near Paradise Circle after controversial statement about Kannada language origin sparks outrage
Bengaluru: Tensions flared in Karnataka’s capital after pro-Kannada activists reacted strongly to actor-politician Kamal Haasan's controversial comment claiming “Kannada was born from Tamil.” The protest took a dramatic turn when Ravikumar, president of the Namma Karunada Yuva Sena, allegedly burnt an effigy and poster of Kamal Haasan near the sacred Paradise Circle in Basaveshwaranagar late on Tuesday night.
The Basaveshwaranagar Police have confirmed that an FIR was filed on Thursday against the activist, whose actions disrupted public peace and obstructed traffic.
"At around 11:45 PM on May 28, the activist assembled with others and burned Kamal Haasan's poster at Paradise Circle, disturbing midnight traffic and public tranquility," a senior officer from the Bengaluru Police said.
The case has been registered under IPC Sections 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 283 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation), based on a complaint filed by an on-duty police officer.
Pro-Kannada Sentiment Inflamed
Kamal Haasan’s recent comment during a promotional event for his film ‘Thug Life’ — where he claimed that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” — has sparked widespread backlash in Karnataka, especially among Kannada language activists and linguistic pride groups.
“The statement is not just historically inaccurate, it is deeply offensive to Kannada culture and identity,” said a member of a pro-Kannada group reacting to the controversy.
The protest group alleged that Kamal Haasan’s remarks undermine the independent antiquity of the Kannada language, which is widely considered among the oldest Dravidian languages with its own rich literary and cultural heritage.
Legal and Political Fallout
This incident adds to the growing list of controversies involving public personalities and their comments on sensitive cultural and linguistic issues. While Kamal Haasan has not issued a formal apology or clarification, political observers say the issue may escalate unless addressed diplomatically.
Meanwhile, police have stated that further investigation is underway, and more individuals may be identified and questioned if video footage or public complaints reveal a larger gathering or additional disruptions.
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