In a startling development in Bengaluru's Sandalwood film industry, actor, director, and producer Hemant Kumar has been arrested following grave allegations made by a television actress. The actress has accused Kumar of sexual harassment, cheating, and criminal intimidation.

The Allegations

According to the complaint, Kumar approached the actress in 2022 with an offer for a lead role in a film titled "3", promising a payment of ₹2 lakh, of which ₹60,000 was paid upfront. However, the actress claims that Kumar delayed the shoot and began pressuring her to wear revealing outfits and perform explicit scenes. When she refused, he allegedly misbehaved and threatened her.

Despite completing her portions after mediation through the Film Chamber, the actress alleges that Kumar continued to harass and intimidate her. In 2023, during a promotional event in Mumbai, he allegedly spiked her drink, filmed her while intoxicated, and used the footage to blackmail her. When she resisted, Kumar is said to have sent goons to follow her and issued threats to her and her mother's life.

Legal Proceedings

Additionally, Kumar is accused of posting uncensored and edited clips of the film on social media without Censor Board approval, sharing her personal information, and defaming her publicly. Despite a Bengaluru city civil court interim injunction prohibiting him from uploading videos, he allegedly violated the order and continued posting defamatory content.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry, raising serious concerns about the safety and rights of women in the entertainment sector. Authorities have assured that a thorough investigation is underway, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings.

This case underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals from exploitation and abuse, particularly in industries where power dynamics can be skewed. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the film industry and its approach to handling such serious allegations.