Bengaluru Actress Kidnapped By Film Producer Husband In Child Custody Dispute

The accused is identified as a film producer and the owner of Vardhan Enterprises.

In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, Karnataka, a television and film actress has reportedly been kidnapped by her estranged husband in what appears to be a desperate attempt to gain custody of their one-year-old daughter.

According to the complaint lodged by Leela R, sister of the victim Chaitra R, the couple had been living separately for approximately seven to eight months due to ongoing marital conflicts. While Harshvardhan relocated to Hassan following their separation, Chaitra moved to a rented accommodation on Magadi Road with their young daughter.

The couple had entered into matrimony in 2023.

Following their separation, Chaitra continued her career as a television actress. On December 7, she informed her family about traveling to Mysuru for a filming schedule. However, this was allegedly part of an elaborate plan orchestrated by her estranged husband. The complaint states that Harshavardhan paid Rs 20,000 as an advance to his associate named Kaushik who, with another accomplice, lured Chaitra to Mysuru Road Metro Station around 8 am. She was subsequently forced into a vehicle and taken via NICE Road and the Bidadi route.

At approximately 10:30 am, Chaitra managed to contact a friend named Girish, who promptly alerted her family about the abduction.

Later that evening, Harshavardhan allegedly contacted Chaitra's mother, Siddamma, confirming the kidnapping and presenting a disturbing ultimatum: deliver the child to a location he would specify, or Chaitra would remain in captivity. He subsequently reached out to another family member, requesting they bring the child to Arsikere with assurances of Chaitra's safe release.

The family, initially dispersed between Tiptur and Bengaluru, eventually reunited and approached law enforcement authorities.

Based on the complaint submitted by Chaitra's sister, police have registered a case against Harshavardhan.

The accused is known to be the proprietor of Vardhan Enterprises and works as a film producer.