Actress allegedly kidnapped by estranged husband in custody dispute over one-year-old daughter

Actress allegedly kidnapped by estranged husband in custody dispute over one-year-old daughter

A serial and film actress was allegedly kidnapped by her estranged husband in Bengaluru in an apparent attempt to force the family into handing over custody of their one-year-old daughter. The incident has led to a police case being registered based on a complaint filed by the actress’ sister.

According to the complaint submitted by Leela R, her sister Chaitra R had been living separately from her husband, Harshvardhan, for the past seven to eight months following ongoing marital disputes. The couple, who got married in 2023, reportedly fell out over personal and domestic issues. While Harshvardhan was staying in Hassan, Chaitra had moved to a rented house on Magadi Road in Bengaluru along with their infant daughter and continued working as a television serial actress.

The complaint states that on December 7, Chaitra informed her family that she was travelling to Mysuru for a shooting assignment. Police allege that this trip was orchestrated as part of a pre-planned abduction. Harshvardhan is accused of paying Rs 20,000 as advance to an associate named Kaushik. Kaushik, along with another individual, allegedly contacted Chaitra and asked her to meet near the Mysuru Road Metro Station around 8 am.

Once she reached the spot, Chaitra was allegedly forced into a car and driven away via NICE Road and the Bidadi route. At around 10.30 am, she reportedly managed to alert her friend Girish through a phone call. Girish immediately informed her family, triggering panic and an urgent search.

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By evening, Harshvardhan allegedly contacted Chaitra’s mother, Siddamma, and admitted to abducting her. He reportedly issued an ultimatum, demanding that the child be brought to a location he would specify, failing which Chaitra would not be released. He later contacted another family member, instructing them to bring the child to Arsikere and assuring them that Chaitra would be released safely afterward.

The family, who were spread across Tiptur and Bengaluru at the time, regrouped and approached the police with the details of the incident. Based on the complaint filed by Chaitra’s sister, the police registered a case and initiated an investigation.

The accused, Harshvardhan, is reported to be the owner of Vardhan Enterprises and a film producer. Police officials have stated that the matter is under investigation and that further action will be taken based on the findings.