Pramesh S Jain
The death of businessman Vaishakh,a friend of actress Krishi Thapanda,has once again brought into focus an earlier extortion and death threat case linked to businessman Aravind Venkatesh Reddy.
According to police,Vaishakh had been arrested by the HAL police earlier this year in connection with a case involving anonymous death threats sent to Aravind Venkatesh Reddy.
Investigators alleged that in January,a threat letter was sent to Reddy through a Blue Dart courier service.
The unsigned letter allegedly referred to a dispute involving Reddy and a woman,indirectly pointing to actress Krishi Thapanda,and demanded Rs 6-7 crore.
The sender reportedly warned of serious consequences if the money was not paid.
Following a complaint by Reddy,police launched an investigation and arrested Vaishakh.
Investigators had suspected that the mobile phone allegedly used to send the threat message had been concealed at the actress’s residence,where Vaishakh was reportedly staying at the time.
However,the device was not recovered during searches and efforts to trace it were continuing.
The case was linked to a long-running dispute between Reddy and the actress.
In November 2025,the Rajarajeshwari Nagar police arrested Reddy,a film producer and real-estate businessman,on charges of stalking and harassing Krishi Thapanda.
He was detained at Kempegowda International Airport upon his arrival from Sri Lanka after a lookout notice was issued against him.
Police had then stated that Reddy and the actress became acquainted in 2021 during a cricket tournament in Sri Lanka and later entered into a live-in relationship.
The actress subsequently distanced herself from him, alleging harassment and intimidation.
Reddy was accused of stalking her,circulating morphed photographs,creating disturbances at her parents’ residence through associates, and threatening her family members.
A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Meanwhile,following Vaishakh’s death,emotional scenes unfolded at the crematorium.
Sources said Krishi Thapanda arrived to pay her last respects but was allegedly asked to leave by members of Vaishakh’s family.
Visibly distressed,the actress reportedly left the premises in tears without being able to pay homage to the deceased.
Police clarified that,as of now,no allegations have been made against any individual in connection with Vaishakh’s death.
Based on a complaint filed by his wife,a case has been registered under Unnatural Death Report (UDR) provisions.
“It is a UDR case and there is no mention of suspicion against anyone,”a senior police officer said.
