New Delhi: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is in trouble for saying the first terrorist of independent India was a Hindu, while referring to Nathuram Godse. A criminal complaint has been filed against Haasan at Delhi's Patiala House Court. The court will hear the matter on May 16.

Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta moved the court against Haasan for having hurt the sentiments of Hindus without any basis by associating terrorism with the religion and for trying to create enmity among the followers of different religions.

Haasan had said on May 12, “I am not saying this because many Muslims are here, I am saying this in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. The first terrorist in independent India is a Hindu, his name is Nathuram Godse.” The president of Makkal Needhi Maiam, Haasan, said this while campaigning in the Aravakurichi Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu.

The complaint alleged that Haasan had made these “malicious” and “derogatory” comments to “outrage the religious feelings of Hindus by associating terrorism with Hindu religion without any justification, with the sole intent to promote enmity between Hindus and Muslims...”

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Gupta said in the complaint, "The accused was very well aware that while making the said remark with the intention of outraging religious feelings, to insult the religion and religious beliefs of Hindus along with that of the complainant that insulting remarks will be heard and seen by citizens of India through TV and electronic media.” 

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Gupta alleged that as the remark was made in front of a large Muslim crowd, it was tantamount to promoting enmity among Hindus and Muslims, “a criminal offence under sections 153-A and 295-A” of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).