'Hindus have been wiped out from Pakistan': Did Prakash Raj really make this comment?

Actor Prakash Raj was linked to a social media buzz when it was reported that he had made another controversial statement. On Monday evening, a quote had gone viral on social media sites which stated that Hindus in India should learn tolerance from neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"Hindus have been wiped out from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir. They never sought revenge from Muslims. They silently embraced death. All Hindus should learn secularism & tolerance from those Hindus" a quote was attributed to Prakash Raj. A photo with this message was going viral on social media sites.

However, it has turned out to be a baseless rumour as Prakash Raj has given a clarification on the issue. "By spreading such lies...instead of debating my views...you are proving to the world...how frustrated..desperate..and the cheap levels you can stoop down ..Dear citizens please like and retweet this to show such cowards ...that we stand for a fearless Society which questions [sic]," the actor posted along with the picture being circulated on social media site.

Ever since his friend and scribe Gauri Lankesh was killed, Prakash Raj has been critical of Hindutva politics and has come down heavily on the BJP. He has primarily targeted Ananth Kumar Hegde, a union minister from Karnataka for making communally-hatred speeches.

Further, Prakash Rai had sent a notice to Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha for trolling and making derogatory comments against him on social media sites.

As a consequence of his critical comments, his column in a leading Kannada daily was abruptly stopped. But it did not deter his spirit and he is now writing for one of the oldest Kannada dailies.

Meanwhile, Prakash Raj will be in Mysuru on Tuesday, January 30, to take part in a human chain to spread harmony in society.