Kannada TV actor Charith Balappa arrested on charges of sexual harassment and assault

Last update:December 27, 2024, 7:35 PM IST

Television actor Charit Balappa has been arrested on charges of sexual harassment, assault and criminal intimidation following a complaint filed by the actress.

Popular Kannada TV actor Charit Balappa has been arrested.

Television actor Charit Balappa has been arrested on charges of sexual harassment, assault and criminal intimidation following a complaint filed by the actress, police said on Friday.

The alleged incident occurred between November 1, 2023 and December 13, 2024. Balappa, who has also appeared in Telugu serials, is known for his role in the Kannada serial Muddulakshmi.

In her complaint, the 29-year-old, who works in Telugu and Kannada serials, said she met him in 2017 as he was also an actor. Accusing him of exploiting her good nature, she claimed he pressured her to love him and forced her into physical relations, threatening to disgrace her if she refused.

The actress also claimed that knowing that she lived alone, he once barged into her house with his companions, creating noise and harassing her. According to the FIR, the actor also demanded money from her and threatened to post their private photos together on social media and share them on a WhatsApp group that also included other actors.

He allegedly claimed that with his money and connections with politicians, hoodlums and policemen, he would file false cases against her and jail her, the FIR said. The woman also accused the divorced actor of psychological torture and violence. He also threatened to kill her, the FIR said.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Rajarajeshwari Nagar police station under sections of voluntary hurt, extortion, criminal intimidation, intentional insult with intent to cause disturbance, sexual harassment and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The suspected actor has been detained and further investigation is underway, they added.

(This story was not edited by News18 staff and was published from the syndicated news agency channel – PTI)