Kathi Mahesh externed for 6 months to Chittoor

The city police on Monday externed Tollywood actor and film critic Kathi Mahesh from Hyderabad for six months. The police had booked him for allegedly disrespecting Hindu deities.

The actor had created a controversy early this month when he made some derogatory statements against Lord Rama and Sita during a debate on a local Telugu news channel. Members of Hindu organisationss lodged complaints against him at the Banjara Hills police station.

On July 2, the police registered a case against Mahesh under the Indian Penal Code including Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings) and questioned him. A total three cases were registered against Mahesh.

Director-General of Police M. Mahendar Reddy said: “Kathi Mahesh has been externed from Hyderabad city for the next six months under the Telangana Prevention of Anti-Social and Hazardous Activities Act.

The proceedings were initiated in view of the derogatory statements made by him on multiple occasions leading to hurting of sentiments of large sections of people and adversely affecting even tempo of life.”

The police served the orders on him and escorted him to Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh and dropped him at his native place.

The DGP said that if Mahesh returned to the city within this period, a fresh case would be registered against him.