FIR against Kamal Haasan for his statement on Nathuram Godse

An FIR was registered against Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan on Tuesday for his "free India's first extremist was a Hindu" statement, police said.

The case was registered under Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which deal with 'outraging religious feelings' and 'promoting enmity between different groups', respectively, they said.

A release from the Karur district police also warned of stringent action against those inciting violence in the name of religion, caste, language and race.

While referring to Nathuram Godse who killed Mahatma Gandhi, Kamal Haasan had said on Sunday that "free India's first extremist was a Hindu".

The remarks drew condemnation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AIADMK, although Kamal Haasan found support in the Congress and the Dravidar Kazhagam.