Actor says Pratap Simha made defamatory statements against him on social media platforms

Actor Prakash Raj has issued a legal notice to Pratap Simha, MP from Mysuru, for making ‘defamatory’ statements against him on social media platforms and in television interviews.

Addressing the media here on Thursday, the actor said the MP’s comments with regard to the death of his five-year-old son and his personal life were shocking and unacceptable, considering that it was coming from someone holding public office. The remarks, he said, were made after he questioned the silence of the Prime Minister on celebrations following ‘certain killings’ in the country. He was referring to the death of journalist activist Gauri Lankesh who was shot dead on September 5.

#JustAsking against troll vandalism Asking citizens to speak up against what he called 'troll vandalism,' actor Prakash Raj on Thursday said these were attempts to terrorise and silence people. “There is so much violence in trolling. And people's silence is encouraging the trolls, so much so that people are issuing threats openly. As citizens we need to act against this and I am making make first move with the campaign,” he said, adding that there is a need for healthy platform for people to be able to express their doubts, anger, anguish and answers freely and not be trolled for it.

Clarifying that the notice has been served to Mr. Simha as an individual and not as a member of some party, the actor said, “I have sent him a notice for the way he has trolled me. It is my fight against another individual and not against a party.”

‘Serial offender’

Calling Mr. Simha a ‘serial offender’, Mr. Raj said that the MP had made a similar unwarranted remark against Geetha Mahadeva Prasad when she contested the Gundlupet by-elections.

Mr. Raj has called upon Mr. Simha to tender an unconditional public apology and remove all posts from social media platforms. “In the event of failure to do so, I will press criminal charges against the MP,” the actor said.

Responding to Mr. Raj’s legal notice, Mr. Simha denied that he had ever attacked anyone personally.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Simha said he had received the legal notice served on him by Mr. Raj, but maintained there was nothing personal in his statements.

He also said reposting and re-tweeting on social media sites does not amount to endorsing the view. “If I re-post an article published in a newspaper, it does not amount to my endorsement, it is only a share,” he added.