PRAYAGRAJ, India (Kashmir English): In what reflects the declining space for political dissent in India, a stand-up comedian was detained by the Kakinada police in Prayagraj on April 14 over allegations that his online video insulted Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Anudeep Katikala was apprehended on Tuesday. He was later transported on a train to Kakinada, accompanied by his parents, according to information provided by his family.
A lawyer who reviewed a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) emphasised that the police action constitutes a detention rather than a formal arrest.
An FIR was registered at the Kakinada Town police station by Inspector Mandala Naga Durgarao. It followed a written complaint by a resident of Canal Road, Jagannadapuram.
The complainant stated he has served as a Jana Sena Party (JSP) worker since 2014 and the Joint Secretary of the East Godavari District JSP since 2022.
Indian Comedian allegedly targeted Kalyan
According to the FIR, the complainant viewed a 29:57-second video on the YouTube channel ‘Anudeep Katikala Official’. The complaint alleges that the video targeted Kalyan and his family members, damaging their reputation with sarcasm, and spreading false information to disrupt peace and incite enmity.
