The Centre has revoked the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card issued to Kannada films’ actor Chetan Kumar who is based out of the USA, on the grounds that his “activities are inimical to the interest of general public”. He is a vocal critic of right-wing politics and was arrested three weeks back over a tweet which said that Hindutva was built on lies.
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) communicated the OCI cancellation to the actor and directed him to return the card. Chetan Kumar, who is also known as Chetan Ahimsa, said on April 15 that the move was an attempt to silence activists and create fear among those who question the government. He added that he would approach the Karnataka high court soon.
“It is unfortunate that I got the FRRO letter on April 14, the day the nation celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti,” he said, adding, “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.”
The letter from FRRO, dated March 28, 2023, stated that Chetan should return his OCI card within 15 days of receiving the letter. “In June 2022,” Chetan recalled, “FRRO had issued me a show cause notice, seeking an explanation on my comments against judges and why my OCI card 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 had been arrested in February 2022 for criticising a high court judge. In June 2021, two criminal cases were filed against the actor for his “Denounce Brahminism” statements. Taking objections to his comments, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had complained to the FRRO, saying that Chetan’s OCI card should be cancelled.