Kannada Actress Chaitra Kidnapped by Husband Over Daughter's Custody in Bengaluru

A Kannada television and film actress has allegedly been abducted in Bengaluru by her estranged husband, with police suspecting the act was driven by a dispute over the custody of their infant daughter.

The incident has sparked concern within the industry and raised questions about domestic disputes escalating into serious criminal acts.

Marriage breakdown and separation

According to a complaint filed by the actress' sister, Leela R, the actress Chaitra R and her husband Harshvardhan had been living separately for the past seven to eight months following marital discord. The couple, who married in 2023, reportedly fell out over personal issues, after which Harshvardhan shifted to Hassan while Chaitra moved into a rented home on Magadi Road in Bengaluru with their one-year-old daughter.

Despite the separation, Chaitra continued her work as a serial actress, supporting herself and caring for the child.

Alleged abduction linked to shooting trip

On December 7, Chaitra informed her family that she was travelling to Mysuru for a shooting assignment. Police believe this was part of a plan orchestrated by her estranged husband.

As per the complaint, Harshvardhan allegedly paid Rs 20,000 in advance to an associate, Kaushik, who along with another accomplice asked Chaitra to come to the Mysuru Road Metro Station around 8 am.

She was then allegedly forced into a car and taken away via NICE Road and the Bidadi route.

Distress call and chilling ultimatum

At around 10.30 am, Chaitra reportedly managed to contact her friend Girish, alerting him about the abduction. Girish immediately informed her family, who began searching for her.

By evening, Harshvardhan allegedly contacted Chaitra's mother, Siddamma, and admitted to the kidnapping. He reportedly issued a stark ultimatum, demanding that the child be brought to a location he would specify, failing which Chaitra would not be released. He later called another relative, asking them to bring the child to Arsikere and assuring that Chaitra would be released safely.

Police action and accused's background

The family, initially spread across Tiptur and Bengaluru, regrouped and approached the police following the calls. Based on the complaint filed by Chaitra's sister, a case has been registered and an investigation is underway.

Police sources said the accused, Harshvardhan, is the owner of Vardhan Enterprises and is also a film producer. Further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation and efforts to safely rescue the actress.