Aryan made headlines after a lawyer filed a police complaint accusing him of flashing his middle finger at the crowd on November 28.
According to reports, the complaint seeks an FIR under sections related to obscene acts, insulting the modesty of women, and causing public discomfort. The complainant claimed that several women were present and alleged that Aryan’s gesture amounted to “emotional distress” and projected Bengaluru poorly as a safe public space.
However, Zaid Khan, who was with Aryan at the event, has dismissed the allegations, calling the situation a “misunderstanding.” Speaking to the media in Bellary, he explained that the director whose gesture sparked outrage was not directing it towards the public.
“There were more people than we anticipated,” Zaid said, noting that Aryan was concerned about the overcrowded venue. “His manager went downstairs to disperse the crowd. When he didn’t return, we stepped onto the balcony to see what was happening.”
He clarified that the now-viral gesture was not aimed at the audience. “It was then that he gestured to his friend-cum-manager. He did not show any gesture to the people. It has been taken out of context.”
Zaid, son of Karnataka politician Zameer Ahmed and a fellow actor, also revealed that Aryan personally informed him about coming to Bengaluru. “Aryan had messaged me saying he was coming to Bengaluru, so we attended the opening ceremony together,” he said, reiterating that the gesture “was meant for his manager, not for Kannadigas.”
The complaint against Aryan has been submitted to multiple authorities, including the DGP, Bengaluru Police Commissioner, DCP Central Division, Cubbon Park Police, and the Karnataka State Women’s Commission. Authorities have yet to announce their next course of action.
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