BENGALURU: The Centre has revoked the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card given to Kannada actor and social activist Chetan Kumar on the grounds that his 'activities are inimical to the interest of general public.'
A vocal critic of right-wing politics, Chetan was arrested three weeks ago for tweeting: "Hindutva is built on LIES... Hindutva can be defeated by TRUTH- truth is EQUALITY".
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office communicated the OCI cancellation and directed him to return the card. Chetan, widely known as Chetan Ahimsa, said the move was an attempt to silence activists and create fear among those who question the government. He said he will approach the Karnataka high court soon.
Some panicking over my fight for equality: Chetan He said: "It is unfortunate that I got the FRRO letter on April 14, the day the nation celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti. My fight for equality and against superstition, religious disharmony and other disturbing issues have clearly sent some individuals and governments into panic mode. After failing to down my voice and fight, they have taken this route to silence me. But I will not refrain from my path or fights; I will approach the court, seeking a stay order."
Chetan said he was not convicted in any of the previous cases that saw him getting arrested on numerous occasions. The letter from FRRO, dated March 28, stated that Chetan should return his OCI card within 15 days of receiving the letter. "In June 2022, FRRO had issued me a show-cause notice, seeking an explanation on my comments against judges and why my OCI should not be cancelled. I had replied saying I lived in India for many years and was married to an Indian. My social activism has been wrongly viewed," Chetan quoted in his reply to the FRRO notice.
Chetan was arrested in February 2022 on charges of criticising a HC judge. In June 2021, two criminal cases were booked for his 'denounce Brahmanism' statements.