Who Is Anudeep Katikala? Comedian Arrested In Uttar Pradesh By Andhra Police Over Joke On Deputy CM-Actor Pawan Kalyan

Anudeep Katikala Arrest News: Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested Hyderabad-based stand-up comedian Anudeep Katikala. The arrest took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where the comedian was visiting his family. The legal action follows a viral video of Anudeep Katikala’s stand-up routine, which focused on Tollywood stars and the intense culture of film fandom in South India.

The 30-year-old comedian has reportedly faced a barrage of online abuse and threats of physical violence from supporters of the Jana Sena Party and the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan, since the footage was released. The arrest was carried out just three days after a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Kakinada Police Station in Andhra Pradesh.

 

 

 

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According to reports, two police officers from the Kakinada district tracked Anudeep’s mobile phone to a park in Prayagraj at approximately 7 pm. He was taken into custody while he was spending time with his father. The complaint was officially filed by Bade Venkata Krishna, the Jana Sena Party's East Godavari Joint Secretary.

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Anudeep Katikala has been booked under several rigorous provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, including:

• Section 356(2): Defamation.
• Section 353(2): Making statements containing false information or rumours with the intent to promote enmity.
• Section 79: Insulting the modesty of a woman.
• Section 67 (IT Act): Publishing obscene material in electronic form.

In the video that sparked the controversy, Anudeep Katikala made several satirical remarks about prominent figures in the Telugu film industry. He jokingly referred to actor Ram Charan as a feminist because he was not insecure about his wife, Upasana, being wealthier than him.

Regarding the Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Anudeep Katikala reportedly suggested that people should learn from Pawan Kalyan when it comes to the subject of divorce, noting that none of his former wives had accused him of abuse. Despite the comedian issuing a public apology shortly after the backlash began, the authorities proceeded with the arrest.

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Anudeep Katikala is currently being transported back to Andhra Pradesh for further legal proceedings.