Munmun Dutta, the actor from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has been arrested. An FIR has been filed against the television star in Hissar, Haryana, for using a casteist slur in a recent video.
Munmun was criticised earlier this week for using a casteist slur in a makeup film. On social media, some viewers shared their frustration at the actor’s use of the insult. The hashtag ‘#ArrestMunmunDutta’ began to circulate as well.
According to it, Dalit rights activist Rajat Kalsan has filed a lawsuit against her. The FIR was filed under Section 3(1)(u) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, according to India Today. A copy of the FIR was posted on Twitter by Rajat Kalsan, a lawyer.
First information report has been registered against the actress Munmun Dutta @ Babita ji at police station City Hansi under section 3(1) (u) of SC ST POA act.
Complaint is got registered by dalit rights activist Rajat kalsan. pic.twitter.com/Z7ZTfZXa54— Rajat Kalsan رجت کلسن (@rajatkalsan3010) May 13, 2021
On May 10, Munmun issued an apology, blaming the ‘language barrier’ as the reason for her error of judgement. “It was never said with the intent to insult, intimidate, humiliate or hurt anyone’s feelings. Because of my language barrier, I was genuinely misinformed about the meaning of the word. Once I was made aware of its meaning I immediately took the part down. I have utmost respect for every single person from every caste, creed or gender and acknowledge their immense contribution to our Society or nation,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I sincerely would like to apologize to every single person who has been unintentionally hurt by the usage of the word and sincerely regret for the same,” she added.
Munmun started her career as a model before making her TV debut in Hum Sab Baraati Hai. She rose to prominence after appearing on the show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, in which she plays the part of Babita. Munmun has also starred in films such as Mumbai Express and Holiday.
