Bengaluru, 3 Dec

A complaint has been filed against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, accusing him of insulting and mocking the revered ‘Daiva’ (Bhoota Kola) tradition featured in the Kannada film Kantara, police said on Wednesday.

According to a senior officer at High Grounds police station, the complaint has been received but no FIR has been registered yet.

Advocate Prashanth Methal, who filed the complaint, referred to news reports and widely circulated videos from the closing ceremony of the International Film Festivalof India (IFFI) in Goa on 28 November, where Singh allegedly made remarks that “deeply hurt” religious sentiments.

“I am filing this complaint to bring to your immediate attention the illegal and offensive actions of Bollywood actor Mr Ranveer Singh, which have deeply hurt my religious sentiments and the sentiments of millions of Hindus, particularly the Tulu-speaking community of Karnataka,” Methal stated in his written submission.

The complainant urged police to take action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly insulting religious beliefs and mocking the traditional ritual. Sections cited in the complaint include 299, 302, and 196, which deal with outraging religious feelings and promoting enmity among communities.

Police said the complaint is under review.