Eleven Arrested in Bengaluru for Abducting, Assaulting Film Director Over Financial Dispute
In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, eleven people have been arrested for allegedly abducting a film director, brutally assaulting him, and robbing him of gold ornaments and cash. The case is linked to a financial dispute over an under-production Kannada film, highlighting tensions in the regional cinema industry.
Details of the Victim and Accused
The complainant, Anish TA, 31, a native of Tamil Nadu residing in Mumbai, had directed the Kannada film Jeevanada Bashe, whose post-production work is still pending. The arrested accused include Ashirwad, Sujan, Sanjay, Lakshmi Narayan, Shahid, Aishwarya, Rehan, Arif, Dhruva, Charan, and Aslan. According to police reports, Lakshmi Narayan had invested Rs 5-6 lakh in the film, while Ashirwad worked as Anish's assistant, and Aishwarya acted in the movie.
Roots of the Financial Dispute
Before completing post-production, Anish shifted from Bengaluru to Mumbai, reportedly leaving investors disappointed. Police stated that Narayan was particularly upset over Anish's move. Simultaneously, Anish and Ashirwad were embroiled in a separate financial dispute involving Rs 2.5 lakh, which Ashirwad had allegedly borrowed from him. When Anish demanded repayment, Ashirwad allegedly threatened him and refused to return the money. A few months ago, Anish filed a police complaint and issued a legal notice to Ashirwad, escalating the conflict.
Abduction and Assault Incident
Earlier this month, Anish told Aishwarya he wanted to sell his SUV. She allegedly informed Ashirwad, who asked her to tell Anish that a friend was interested in purchasing the vehicle. Anish then drove from Mumbai to Bengaluru in the SUV. He met Aishwarya and her friend Shahid at a coffee outlet in Indiranagar. Later, on the pretext of inspecting the vehicle, he was taken by Shahid's friend to a garage. From there, Anish was allegedly taken to a house in Byadarahalli.
Police reported that 5-6 persons, including Ashirwad, assaulted him with cricket stumps and hockey sticks, inflicting severe injuries. They also robbed him of a gold bracelet, a ring, and Rs 30,000 in cash. The brutal nature of the assault has raised concerns about safety and financial disputes in the film industry.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the incident, a thorough police investigation led to the arrest of all eleven accused. The case underscores the risks associated with financial disagreements in creative projects and the importance of legal recourse. Authorities are continuing to probe deeper into the matter to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
