Kannada filmmaker Hemant Kumar arrested for ‘sexually harassing, blackmailing’ TV actor

The actor, 29, who has appeared in several television serials, filed a complaint on October 4 stating that Kumar approached her in 2022, introducing himself as a producer and associate director. According to her complaint, Kumar offered her the lead role in one of his films.

After discussions, she agreed to the project, and on April 30, 2022, they signed an agreement stipulating a remuneration of Rs 2,00,000. However, she said, Kumar postponed shooting for an extended period while repeatedly harassing the actor by insisting she wear “indecent” clothing. He allegedly misbehaved, touching her in an offensive and insulting manner, according to the complaint.

On August 5, 2023, Kumar organised a press conference in Mumbai to promote the film and requested the complainant’s attendance. Following the event, during dinner, he allegedly tried to force her to consume alcohol. The actor said she refused and ordered a cold drink, Kumar allegedly spiked her drink while she briefly visited the washroom.

After consuming the beverage, she felt dizzy. Kumar then allegedly recorded videos of her in a vulnerable state without consent, later editing and using them to blackmail and sexually exploit her.

Recently, Kumar allegedly threatened to upload uncensored video clips from the film — which had not received Censor Board certification — on social media platforms to defame her. The actor subsequently approached the Bengaluru City Civil Court seeking a permanent injunction against Kumar and various social media platforms. The court issued an interim order restraining any such uploads.

Despite the court order, Kumar allegedly sent men to monitor her movements, creating fear and insecurity for the actor and her mother, said the FIR.

Based on her complaint, the Rajajinagar police registered a case under sections including sexual harassment (354A), stalking (354D), cheating (420), intentional insult (504), criminal intimidation (506), and insulting the modesty of a woman (509) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.

A police officer said that the case was registered under IPC as the victim had said that the crimes took place between April 30, 2022 and June 17, 2024.

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