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The Bengaluru Police have arrested Kannada actor-director-producer B. Hemant Kumar after a television actress filed a formal complaint accusing him of sexual harassment, cheating, criminal intimidation and blackmail.

According to the complaint, Hemant approached the actress in 2022, offering her the lead role in a film titled “3”. He allegedly signed an agreement promising ₹2 lakh, of which ₹60,000 was paid upfront. Over time, the actress says, he began to delay the shoot and started pressuring her to wear revealing clothing and perform scenes she found obscene.

When she objected, the accusations state, Hemant became abusive and threatening. The actress claims that in 2023, during a promotional event in Mumbai, he spiked her drink, filmed her while she was intoxicated, and then used that footage to blackmail her. The complaint further alleges that he deployed “goons” to follow her and issued threats to her as well as to her mother’s life.

Another serious charge against him is that he posted uncensored and edited portions of the film on social media without approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He is also accused of publicly defaming the actress, sharing her personal information, and violating a civil court’s interim order that barred him from uploading videos.

Despite mediation through the Film Chamber that led the actress to complete her portions, the harassment allegedly persisted.

The Rajajinagar police in Bengaluru confirmed the arrest, citing the multitude of allegations including sexual harassment, cheating, criminal intimidation and blackmail.

At present, investigations are ongoing, and the accused is in custody. No further independent statements from Hemant or his legal team have been made public so far.