Bengaluru, May 29 (PTI): Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) said on Thursday that it will not allow the release of Kamal Haasan's film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by May 30 for his controversial remark about the Kannada language.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the stakeholders from the industry, KFCC president M Narasimhalu, said the chamber office bearers are trying to meet and talk to him.

"Many Kannada groups have demanded a ban on his movie. So, we met and discussed the matter, and we've decided that he should apologise. We agree that what he did was wrong, and we are trying to meet and talk to him," said Narasimhalu.

KFCC former president Sa Ra Govindu said if Haasan doesn't apologise by tomorrow, KFCC will not allow the film to be released here.

"We have no sympathy for Kamal Haasan. If he does not issue a public apology today or tomorrow, we will support Kannada activists and will protest fiercely. Under no circumstances will we allow the film's release unless he apologises publicly," said Govindu.

Actor Jayamala, who headed KFCC between 2008 and 2010 said, "Whenever there is a language controversy, all Kannadigas must unite -- that is our duty. Whether Kamal Haasan spoke knowingly or unknowingly, his statement was wrong. Kannada was not born out of Tamil."

She also said there is nothing wrong in expressing regret for a mistake instead of trying to justify it.

"We are trying to talk to him and help him understand that his words were deeply hurtful to Kannadigas. It is his moral responsibility to apologise," she added.

Actor-politician Haasan's recent statement claiming that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during a promotional event for his upcoming film 'Thug Life' has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations.

The actor on Wednesday clarified that his remarks on Kannada were said out of love and that "love will never apologise."

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Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.

The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.

The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.

The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.

ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership

Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.

Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.

As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.

The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.

However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.

The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.

Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.

Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.