Kannada TV actor Charith Balappa arrested for sexual harassment, extortion
Kannada television actor Charith Balappa, known for his role in a popular regional serial.
“Muddulakshmi” and appearances in Telugu serials, has been arrested on charges of sexual harassment, assault, extortion, and criminal intimidation. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a 29-year-old actress, police confirmed on Friday.
According to the police, the alleged incidents occurred over a period spanning from November 1, 2023, to December 13, 2024. The actress, who works in both Telugu and Kannada serials, stated in her complaint that she first met Balappa in 2017 as he was also an actor in the industry.
The complainant accused Balappa of exploiting her good nature, coercing her into a physical relationship under the threat of defaming her if she refused. The FIR further alleged that Balappa, aware that she lived alone, once barged into her house with his associates, harassing her and causing a commotion.
The actress also claimed that Balappa demanded money from her and threatened to share private photos of them on social media and in a WhatsApp group that included other actors. Additionally, she accused him of using his purported connections with influential individuals, including politicians, rowdy elements, and police officers, to intimidate her. According to the complaint, Balappa threatened to file false cases against her and even hinted at having her imprisoned.
The FIR stated that Balappa, a divorcee, mentally tortured, physically assaulted, and threatened to kill the actress. Based on the complaint, police registered a case at the Rajarajeshwari Nagar police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those for voluntarily causing hurt, extortion, criminal intimidation, and sexual harassment.
“The accused actor has been arrested, and further investigation is underway,” a police official said.