Kannada actress Ashika Ranganath’s family has been hit by a devastating tragedy. Her 22-year-old cousin, Achala, died by suicide on November 22 at a relative’s home in Panduranga Nagar, Bengaluru. The family has alleged that her death was the result of relentless sexual and mental harassment by her boyfriend, Mayank, who they claim is a drug addict and had been troubling her for months.
The facts that have emerged so far paint a picture of a young woman trapped in fear, pressure and manipulation.
According to a report in Navbharat Times, Achala, an engineering graduate, had repeatedly told her family about the harassment she faced.
Mayank, said to be a distant relative, allegedly pretended to be in love with her and later began forcing her into a physical relationship before marriage.
Also Read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru’s combined net worth, check their source of income
When she resisted, he reportedly became aggressive, assaulted her and mentally tortured her, often calling her at odd hours to intimidate her.
Achala was the daughter of Ashika’s maternal uncle. Her aunt has stated that the continuous harassment pushed Achala to the edge. The family has registered a case against Mayank and his mother, Maina, at the Hassan City Police Station. Despite what they claim is substantial evidence, the family says no arrest has been made till now. They are demanding immediate action, arguing that the delay only adds to their grief and raises serious questions about accountability.
Ashika has not issued any public statement on the tragedy yet. Just a day earlier, on Monday, she had shared a heartfelt birthday message for her mother on social media, posting a series of unseen pictures. In that post, she described her mother as their home and strength, thanking her for her unconditional love and the way she holds the family together. The contrast between that warm celebration and the sudden grief that followed speaks to how violently tragedy can cut into ordinary life.
On the professional front, Ashika was last seen in the Kannada film Gatha Vaibhava, which released on November 14 and marked SS Dushyanth’s acting debut.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
