Prakash Raj slaps legal notice on Pratap Simha over defamatory post

Bengaluru, Nov 23: Multi-lingual actor and activist Prakash Raj has slapped a legal notice on BJP leader and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha for making defamatory statements against him on social media. The actor has also launched a campaign on social media with hashtag #TrollVandalism.

The artist termed the BJP leader as an important head of troll vandalism and added: "Simha posted statements terming me as a villain in real life and claimed I was running behind a dancer when my wife was grieving the death of our five-year-son. He stated that I change my name and identity according to my convenience. These posts have deeply hurt me. I decided to slap a legal notice on him as there should be an end to such trolls," Raj told reporters on Thursday.

"Simha is a serial offender. He even made derogatory remarks when late H S Mahadeva Prasad's wife Geetha contested for by-election to Gundlupet Assembly constituency. His statements were responsible for the defeat of his party's candidate," he said.

Prakash Raj clarified that he didn't want any money from the saffronist MP as compensation.

"He should apologise in public for his posts. He should confess that he committed a mistake and remove posts from all his social media accounts," he said.

"I will resort to criminal action against Simha if he doesn't respond to my notice," the actor stated.

To a question, Raj clarified: "It's a notice by an individual against an individual. I am not targeting any political party, group or leader."

"People like Simha can't get away with such acts. Somebody should bell the cat and I've decided to bell it," he added.

The actor stated that trolling was common in all political parties and groups. Trolling influenced, instigated and provocated innocent people, and a movement was needed against such activities.

Regarding his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the actor said:"I've questioned Modi for being silent on his supporters indulging in troll vandalism."

On controversy surrounding Hindi movie Padmavati, he said: "Everybody has a right to protest, but I am concerned about the way in which protests are being organised. Statements like cutting the nose, beheading artistes and chopping of a finger for pointing at Modi are terrifying."

"About four states have banned release and screening of Padmavati before the Supreme Court can take a call on the issue. Even challenging the Supreme Court is a dangerous development," he said.

Prakash Raj said he wasn't terrorized by such trolls, but wanted to be a voice for those who were victims of troll vandalism.