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Aravind Venkatesh Reddy
In a major development in Bengaluru, police have arrested Aravind Venkatesh Reddy, founder of AVR Group and a notable figure in real estate and film production, on charges of sexual harassment, stalking, and intimidation against a prominent Kannada actress.
The arrest highlights ongoing issues of power dynamics and safety in the Sandalwood industry, amid calls for stronger protections for women in entertainment.
Reddy, who also captains the Maharaja Ballari Tuskers cricket team and has organized celebrity cricket tournaments, was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport on November 15, 2025, upon returning from Sri Lanka.
This follows a lookout notice issued after an FIR was filed on October 17, 2025, based on the actress’s detailed complaint.
Details Of The Allegations
The actress, who has appeared in over nine Kannada films, accused Reddy of a prolonged campaign of harassment beginning after their 2021 meeting at a cricket event in Sri Lanka.
What started as a professional acquaintance reportedly turned obsessive, with Reddy allegedly stalking her, sending threats to her and her family, and demanding marriage.
According to the complaint, Reddy hired individuals to follow her, circulated morphed images online, and sent anonymous defamatory letters to her friends and landlord, falsely accusing her of illicit activities.
These actions escalated in August 2025, prompting the latest FIR after an initial non-cognizable report in 2024 provided only temporary relief.
In a particularly distressing episode, the actress attempted suicide in 2024 by ingesting over 100 tablets, citing unbearable mental torture from Reddy’s demands and threats.
She also alleged he disrupted her hospital stay with confrontations over alleged financial dues.
The Arrest And Investigation
The case, initially registered at RR Nagar Police Station, was transferred to Govindarajanagar five days prior to the arrest.
A special team led by ACP Chandan and Inspector Subrahmani conducted the operation, detaining Reddy as he disembarked from his flight.
Charges have been filed under sections 78 (stalking), 79 (outraging modesty), 351 (assault), and 352 (assault with provocation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with IT Act provisions for cyber harassment.
Police are probing digital evidence, including morphed photos and communications, and investigating potential accomplices, such as another individual allegedly involved in blackmail.
During interrogation, Reddy reportedly claimed he spent up to three crore rupees on the actress, providing luxuries like cars, a house, and land, only to feel betrayed when she distanced herself.
He maintains the allegations stem from a soured relationship, but authorities are verifying these claims against the actress’s accounts.
Industry Implications And Broader Context
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Kannada film industry, where similar complaints have surfaced in recent years.
Experts argue it reflects systemic vulnerabilities, urging reforms like mandatory harassment committees on sets and faster legal recourse.
As the investigation continues, Reddy is expected to be produced in court today.
The actress’s identity remains protected under privacy laws, emphasizing the need for victim-centric approaches in such cases.
This arrest could encourage more disclosures, potentially reshaping accountability in Sandalwood.
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