Pramesh S Jain
In a shocking incident reported from the Byatarayanapura police station limits,a film producer has been accused of kidnapping his own wife in an attempt to forcibly gain custody of their daughter.
The accused,Harshavardhan,a producer associated with Vardhan Cinemas,allegedly kidnapped his wife Chaitra,a television serial actress,after their marital dispute escalated over the custody of their one-year-old daughter.
Senior officer told reporters that Harshavardhan and Chaitra,who have acted together in a few serials and films—including “Ninnaleno Helabeku”—got married in 2023 with mutual consent.
The couple later developed differences and began living separately.Following the separation,Chaitra had taken custody of their daughter.
Unable to cope with staying away from the child, Harshavardhan allegedly hatched a plan to kidnap Chaitra.
He reportedly contacted her through a friend,Kaushik, under the pretext of a serial shooting schedule and paid an advance of Rs.20,000. Chaitra was lured with the promise of a shoot in Mysuru.
However,while en route near Mysuru Road,Chaitra was allegedly kidnapped.The accused later called Chaitra’s mother and threatened her, stating that Chaitra would be released only if their daughter was handed over to him.
Following the incident, Chaitra’s sister lodged a complaint at the Byatarayanapura police station.Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter further.Further details are awaited as the probe continues.
