Kannada actor accuses businessman of harassment, stalking, defamation
What's the story
A Kannada film actor had lodged a complaint with the police on October 17, against a businessman for alleged harassment, defamation, stalking, and physical assault. The accused has been identified as Aravind Venkatesh Reddy. The actor claims to have met him during an event in Sri Lanka in 2022, where he initially acted friendly but later became obsessive.
Allegations
Actor alleges Reddy's behavior turned obsessive and threatening
The actor alleged that Reddy monitored her movements, morphed her photos online, threatened her family, and coerced her into a relationship against her will. In April, she attempted suicide by consuming tablets due to stress and fear stemming from Reddy's threats of forcibly marrying her. The complaint further states that while she was hospitalized, Reddy and his associates assaulted her in the ICU when she expressed a desire to end their relationship.
Ongoing harassment
Reddy's continued harassment despite multiple complaints
Despite filing complaints with the State Women's Commission and the Cyber Crime Police, Reddy's harassment allegedly continued. The actor also alleges that he demanded ₹1 crore from her, tracked her movements, sent men to her parents' home, and even mailed anonymous letters to her friends and landlord, accusing her of illicit relationships and illegal activities.
Photo allegation
Actor suspects acquaintance of Reddy for secretly photographing her
The actor also claims that someone photographed her at the Bengaluru airport without her consent and used those images in defamatory letters. She believes a woman known to Reddy may have taken her photos without consent and shared them with him. Police have begun verifying these claims, reviewing the anonymous letters, social media activity, and earlier complaints.