Fri Dec 27 18:18:15 UTC 2024: ## Kannada TV Actor Arrested for Sexual Harassment and Blackmail
**Bengaluru, India –** Popular Kannada TV actor Charith Balappa was arrested on Friday by Rajarajeshwari Nagar Police on charges of sexually harassing and blackmailing a fellow actress. The 29-year-old complainant, who has acted in Kannada and Telugu serials since 2017, alleged a pattern of abuse spanning 2023 to 2024, finally reporting the incident on December 13th.
According to DCP (West) S Girish, Balappa, leveraging his acquaintance with the actress, coerced her into a physical relationship. He allegedly used threats of violence, including death threats, and intimidation to maintain control. Furthermore, Balappa threatened to release explicit videos and photos of the actress on social media and WhatsApp groups within the industry if she refused to comply with his demands, both physical and financial.
The actor allegedly used his perceived connections to powerful individuals, including politicians and rowdies, to further intimidate the victim, claiming he could have her imprisoned at will. The police have registered a case against Balappa under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those pertaining to sexual harassment, extortion, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 