Actor, director and producer BI Hemanth Kumar has been arrested by the Rajajinagar Police in Bengaluru following serious allegations made by a television actress and reality show winner.  The complainant first approached the Film Chamber for mediation, but when the harassment allegedly continued, she filed a formal police complaint.

According to the complaint, Hemanth Kumar had approached the actress in 2022, promising her a lead role in a movie (reported under working titles such as 3 or Richie) and an agreed remuneration of ₹2 lakh, of which ₹60,000 was given as advance.  The actress alleges that after delays in production, Kumar coerced her into wearing revealing clothes, performing obscene scenes, and subjected her to unwanted physical contact.

The complaint further alleges that during a promotional trip in Mumbai, Kumar spiked her drink and filmed her in an inebriated state, later using the footage to blackmail her.  When the actress resisted, she claims Kumar sent “goons” to threaten her and her mother.  He is also accused of issuing a cheque that bounced, misusing her images and uploading uncensored video clips without her consent or approval.