Telugu actor arrested for derogatory comments against Naidu
What's the story
Popular Telugu actor and writer Posani Krishna Murali was arrested in Hyderabad, for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Nara Lokesh. The 66-year-old was taken into custody at 8:45pm on Wednesday from his residence in Yellareddyguda. His wife reportedly received a notice listing the charges against him.
Multiple charges
Charges filed under multiple legal sections
Over the past months, police in different districts have filed cases against him. In November 2024, Andhra Pradesh's CID registered a case based on a complaint by Bandaru Vamsikrishna, a Telugu Desam Party (TDP)'s youth wing, Telugu Yuvatha, leader. The complaint accused Murali of making false and defamatory remarks about Naidu. Vamsikrishna claimed that his comments hurt the CM's image and caused division.
Multiple cases
Multiple cases were filed against Murali
TDP leaders filed a complaint at RIMS Police Station in Kadapa, while Jana Sena leaders in Rajahmundry also accused Murali of insulting Kalyan and his family. Cases have been booked in Kadapa, Chittoor, Tirupati, Anantapur, Palnadu, and Bapatla. Supporters of the opposition YSR Congress Party have accused the new TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP government of acting authoritarian.
Legal proceedings
Actor charged under various BNS sections
YSRCP leader, ex-CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has also condemned the arrest. Police officials have started the process of shifting Murali to Andhra Pradesh for further legal proceedings. Murali was charged under BNS Sections 196, 353(2), 111 read with 3(5), and BNSS Sections 47(1) and (2), which include offenses like public mischief, promoting enmity, and forgery.