A serial and film actress has allegedly been kidnapped by her estranged husband in Bengaluru, in what police believe is linked to a dispute over the custody of their one-year-old daughter.

According to a complaint filed by Leela R, the sister of actress Chaitra R, the couple had been living separately for the past seven to eight months due to marital discord. While Chaitra shifted to a rented house on Magadi Road with her child, her husband Harshavardhan was staying in Hassan. The couple had married in 2023.

Alleged plan under the guise of a shoot

Despite the separation, Chaitra continued her work as a serial actress. On December 7, she informed her family that she was travelling to Mysuru for a shooting assignment. Police say this trip was allegedly part of a pre-planned conspiracy by her estranged husband.

As per the complaint, Harshavardhan allegedly paid ₹20,000 as an advance to his associate Kaushik, who, along with another individual, asked Chaitra to come to the Mysuru Road Metro Station around 8 am. She was allegedly forced into a car and taken via NICE Road and Bidadi.

Distress call and chilling ultimatum

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

Later in the evening, Harshavardhan allegedly called Chaitra’s mother Siddamma, admitting to the kidnapping and issuing an ultimatum — the child must be brought to a location he would specify, failing which Chaitra would not be released. He later contacted another relative, asking them to bring the child to Arsikere, assuring that Chaitra would be released safely.

Police action initiated

With family members regrouping from Tiptur and Bengaluru, a formal complaint was lodged. Based on this, police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Police sources said efforts are under way to trace the movements of the accused and ensure the safety of the actress. The accused is reportedly the owner of Vardhan Enterprises and also a film producer.

Investigations are continuing.