Kannada actor-director Hemanth Kumar was arrested over allegations of sexual harassment, fraud, and threats. A TV actress accused him of spiking her drink, recording private videos without consent, and intimidating her during the shoot and promotions of Richie
Hemanth Kumar
Kannada actor-director Hemanth Kumar has been apprehended by Bengaluru Police at the Rajajinagar Police Station following allegations of sexual harassment, fraud, and criminal intimidation. A TV actress, who met him in 2022 and was cast in his 2017 film Richie, filed the complaint. She levelled serious allegation on him and shared how he captured her inebriated and threatened her.
Kannada director Hemanth Kumar arrested
As per reports in India today, according to the complaint, Hemanth approached the actress in 2022, offering her the lead role in a film titled Richie. They signed an agreement for Rs 2 lakh, of which she was paid Rs 60,000 as an advance.
She alleged that during the film’s shoot and promotional events, Hemanth sexually harassed her. In her complaint, she claimed he took her to Mumbai for promotions, spiked her mocktail with alcohol, and allegedly recorded private videos and photos of her without consent.
The actress further disclosed that Hemanth compelled her to wear unsuitable clothing, act in indecent scenes, and even touched her inappropriately, which caused her distress. She mentioned that the circumstances had made it challenging to proceed with the project. According to the complaint, "When she resisted, Hemanth allegedly threatened her by sending rowdies." The police have recorded that such threats created a sense of fear for the complainant's safety and well-being. Authorities indicated that the matter escalated following these threats.
In addition to the alleged harassment, the actor claimed financial misconduct. The actor approached the Film Chamber and reportedly completed mediation, but Hemanth allegedly continued to harass and intimidate her.
She also accused him of uploading uncensored scenes from the film on social media without her consent. As per NDTV reports, the actress later approached the Bengaluru City Civil Court, which granted an interim injunction restraining Hemant from uploading any videos. However, he allegedly violated the order and continued to post defamatory content.
Hemanth Kumar remanded to judicial custody
Following her complaint, Rajajinagar police arrested Hemanth and produced him in court. He has been remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation. Police officials stated that all allegations are being examined as per legal procedures, with further action to depend on the evidence gathered.
The Bengaluru police are yet to share an update on the case.
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