Bengaluru: Reality show star, three others booked for caste-based insult

Bengaluru: The Annapoorneshwari Nagar police in northeastern Bengaluru have registered a case against a reality show star and three others for allegedly using a derogatory term targeting the Bhovi caste.

An FIR, filed on September 30, names the star Karthik, also known as Huli Karthik, as the primary accused (A1), along with an unnamed scriptwriter, director and producer of Anubandha Awards 2024.

The FIR states that Karthik made the derogatory remark during the awards show, which aired on Colors Kannada on September 20 and 22 at 7 pm.

The police have charged the accused under Section 3(1)(r)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which addresses intentional insults or abuse intended to humiliate a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.

The investigation is being led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kengeri). A senior police official said a notice has been issued to Karthik, requiring him to appear for questioning.