Rohan Umak
Comedian Anudeep Katikala arrested: Andhra Pradesh’s (AP) Kakinada Police on Tuesday arrested Hyderabad-based stand-up comedian Anudeep Katikala from Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj for allegedly making derogatory remarks about AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the police reported on Wednesday. As per police, the arrest was made three days after a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against Katikala at the Kakinada Police Station.
Kakinada’s Superintendent of Police G Bindhu Madhav confirmed the development, saying that he would be produced before a magistrate in Kakinada.
Comedian Anudeep Katikala arrested: Jana Sena Party member files plaint
Officials aware of the case said that a member of the Jana Sena Party filed the complaint, following the circulation of a video, in which Katikala was performing stand-up comedy. In the set, he made remarks about Pawan Kalyan’s personal life, and also referred to Telugu film icon Ram Charan as a ‘feminist.’ The comedian was discussing relationships and financial independence in his segment. After the video gained traction on YouTube quickly, it drew flak from sections of the audience.
Comedian detained while taking a stroll with father
As per reports, Katikala had been to Prayagraj to see his parents, and while taking a stroll with his father, was detained by the cops. Police sources said that his location was tracked via his cell phone. Police said a case has been booked against him under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections pertaining to public mischief and defamation, along with Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Authorities said he is being taken to Kakinada for further proceedings.
Katikala had issued apology before arrest
Notably, before being picked up by the cops, Katikala had issued a public apology and said his intention was not to offend, but to normalise discussions around divorce and feminism. However, the remarks kicked up a row, and he even received threats, coupled with abuses. His family members said the situation has been taken out of context, asserting that he had also praised the individuals concerned during the performance. They further expressed hope that he would be granted bail after being produced before a magistrate.
Who is Anudeep Katikala?
Katikala is an IIT graduate turned comedian, and is known for his contributions to the Telugu stand-up scene. He is also the founder of Silly South Comedy, which is India’s first Telugu-language stand-up collective.
