House found locked, phone switched-off, actress moves court for anticipatory bail 

CHENNAI: Actress Kasturi Shankar, who is absconding soon after a case was filed against her for defamatory remarks against Telugu people living in Tamil Nadu, has moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Justice Anand Venkatesh will consider the plea filed in the Madurai bench today. Cases have been registered against the actress in various parts of the state, including Chennai, on complaints filed by various organizations.

When the Egmore police reached the actress's house in Poes Garden to serve summons to appear for questioning, it was found locked. Her mobile phone is also switched off. It is reported that the actress is in Andhra Pradesh. Charges including attempting to incite riots in the name of caste and religion have been filed against the actress.

The actress' controversial remarks were during a demonstration by the Hindu Makkal Katchi at Egmore in Chennai the other day. Her remarks referenced a specific subset of workers who accompanied Telugu rulers to Tamil Nadu centuries ago and later assumed Tamil identities. Protests erupted in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as well.

Meanwhile, Kasturi came forward alleging that her remarks were being distorted. She clarified that she only meant a few people and that her intention was not to hurt her Telugu family. She also wrote on social media that she apologized if her remark has hurt anyone. Kasturi, who has also played notable roles in Malayalam films, is a BJP supporter and a fierce critic of the DMK.