Kannada Actress Accuses Businessman of Harassment, Stalking and Assault

Kannada Actress Accuses Businessman of Harassment, Stalking and Assault

A Kannada film actress has accused a Bengaluru-based businessman of harassment, stalking, defamation and physical assault, according to a police complaint she filed on October 17.

She told police she first met the man, identified as Aravind Venkatesh Reddy, during an event in Sri Lanka in 2022. What began as a friendly interaction soon took a disturbing turn, she said, as his behaviour allegedly shifted from affectionate to obsessive.

According to her complaint, Aravind tracked her movements, morphed her photographs on social media and threatened her family. She alleged he repeatedly pressured her to continue a relationship she no longer wanted.

The actress said the situation worsened in April 2024. Under severe stress and terrified by Aravind’s alleged threats that he would forcibly marry her, she attempted suicide by consuming tablets. While she was recovering in an ICU, she claimed Aravind and his associates entered the hospital and assaulted her when she insisted on ending all contact.

She further alleged that Aravind later demanded ₹1 crore, monitored her location, and sent men to her parents’ home. Although she approached the State Women’s Commission and the Cyber Crime Police, the harassment stopped only briefly, the complaint said.

In August this year, anonymous letters began reaching her friends and her house owner. The letters accused her of illicit relationships and illegal activities. She also reported that someone secretly photographed her at Bengaluru airport, and those images were later used in defamatory mail.

The actress suspects a woman known to Aravind may have taken the photos without her consent and shared them with him.

Police have begun verifying her allegations, including the anonymous letters, social media activity and her earlier complaints.