Entrepreneur Aravind Venkatesh Reddy held over sexual harassment, stalking allegations by actress

Real estate developer and film producer held at Bengaluru airport after a city-based actress accused him of years of harassment, stalking, intimidation, and online abuse.

In a major development in a sexual harassment case filed by a Kannada film actress, Bengaluru police arrested businessman and AVR Group founder Aravind Venkatesh Reddy early on Monday at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL). The arrest was executed by a team led by ACP Chandan and officer Subramani, after a lookout notice had been issued to prevent him from leaving or entering the country.

The accused, who is also known in the film and sports circuit as a real-estate entrepreneur, film producer and former Bellary Tuskers cricket team captain, was intercepted upon his arrival from Sri Lanka, where he had travelled for a cricket-related event. Police confirmed that the complaint, initially registered at the RR Nagar Police Station, had been transferred to Govindarajanagar Police Station five days ago for further investigation.

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How the actress and the businessman got connected

According to the complaint, the actress and Aravind first met in 2021, when he contacted her and invited her as a special guest for a cricket tournament inauguration in Sri Lanka. Their interactions soon turned cordial, with the businessman allegedly displaying “care, affection and persistent attention.”

Aravind, whose AVR Group sponsored several celebrity cricket tournaments in Dubai, Sri Lanka and India, frequently interacted with actors and models, and the actress stated that he gradually “entered her personal space” under the pretext of friendship.

Stalking, threats and mental harassment alleged

The complaint states that when the actress began distancing herself and expressed clearly in 2023 that she did not want to continue the relationship, Aravind allegedly began:

•    following her to various locations
•    tracking her movements
•    calling her repeatedly
•    intimidating her with threats, including “I will kill you”

Her family members too were allegedly harassed. The actress has said that the constant stress pushed her to a breaking point.

Actress’s attempted s*icide and hospitalisation

In 2024, unable to withstand the mental and physical harassment, the actress reportedly attempted s*icide by consuming over 100 tablets at her residence in JP Nagar. She was rushed to a hospital by her friend Shailesh, who the actress says helped save her life.

During her hospitalisation, she told Aravind she no longer wished to maintain any form of relationship. The complaint alleges that this angered him, leading to further humiliation, including derogatory remarks about her character.

Online abuse, morphed photos and cyber complaint

The actress has also accused him of morphing her photographs and circulating them online. A separate complaint was filed at the Cyber Crime Police Station regarding the image manipulation.

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Alleged role of another actress-model

The actress has further named another actress-model, who she claims supported Aravind’s harassment. According to the complaint:

•    the model allegedly photographed the actress without permission at the airport
•    sent those pictures to Aravind
•    followed and recorded the actress
•    blackmailed her
•    and even made defamatory allegations, including accusations of prostitution

A separate complaint has been filed against the model as well.

Recent trigger in 2025

The harassment resurfaced in 2025, when a letter reached the house of the actress’s friend Vaishakh. The letter reportedly accused the actress and Vaishakh of having a relationship and claimed money was being spent on her. It also included photographs allegedly taken by tracking her at the airport.

Police action and arrest

With mounting evidence and fresh complaints, police traced Aravind’s travel plans and issued a lookout notice. He was taken into custody upon landing at KIAL and will be questioned regarding charges of:

•    sexual harassment
•    stalking
•    criminal intimidation
•    defamation
•    morphing images
•    online abuse
•    and alleged conspiracy with the model

A detailed investigation is now underway.