Hyderabad Police Saturday booked Telugu actor Srikanth Bharath alias Srikanth Krishnaswamy Iyengar for allegedly posting derogatory comments on Mahatma Gandhi on social media platforms. Bharath, who was abroad at the time of posting the video, has been booked under the Information Technology Act based on a complaint of Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Venkat Balmoor. Balmoor lodged a complaint on Friday evening. The selfie video, which was authenticated by cybercrime experts in Hyderabad, referred to the father of the nation in insulting language. The video which was posted on October 2, mocked people who observe Gandhi Jayanti by abstaining from consuming alcohol or observing Dry Day. Balmoor's complaint read: “The video features one influential celebrity, Shri Srikanth Bharath, who, holding a position of influence, is expected to use his reach and authority to spread positive and moral values. However, in the said selfie video, it is seen that Shri. Srikanth Bharath, who is also a well-known movie actor, went to Phuket for a vacation and passed derogatory remarks against Gandhiji". Attempts to reach a representative of the actor for a response were unsuccessful. Bharath has appeared in movies such as ‘They call him OG’, ‘Bakasura Restaurant’, and Kishkindapuri’ – all released this year.
