HYDERABAD: Actress Kasthuri Shankar has been arrested in connection with her defamatory remarks against Telugu people living in Tamil Nadu. The actress, who was absconding, was arrested from Hyderabad. The actress was hiding in a producer's house in Gachibowli. The actress was arrested by a special investigation team from Tamil Nadu. The Madras High Court had rejected the anticipatory bail plea of the actress.

The house was locked when the Egmore police reached the actress' house in Poes Garden to issue a summons to appear for questioning. Her mobile phone has also switched off. The actress has been charged with offences including attempting to cause riots in the name of caste and religion.

The actress made the controversial remarks at a demonstration organised by the Hindu Makkal Katchi at Egmore in Chennai. The actress said that a group of Telugu people had arrived in Tamil Nadu 300 years ago to serve kings as courtesans and concubines but had since been claiming to be Tamils. Subsequently, protests erupted, including in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Meanwhile, Kasthuri had come forward alleging that her remarks were being twisted. She clarified that she was only referring to a few people and did not intend to hurt her Telugu family. She had also written on social media that she would apologise if the remark hurt them. Kasthuri, who has also done notable roles in Malayalam films, is a BJP supporter and a fierce critic of the DMK.