Bengaluru: The Bengaluru city police have arrested a man claiming to be a music director, for sexually harassing a woman under the pretext of getting her into the Sandalwood film industry. The 42-year-old allegedly sent pictures of his nude self to the woman via WhatsApp.
The arrested accused has been identified as Muralidhar Rao alias Murali, a resident of the K S Layout in Bengaluru. He was booked under section 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code and later released on bail.
Police said that the accused added the woman as a friend on Facebook in 2017 and claimed that he had major connections in the Kannada film industry. He proved his clout by showing her pictures of himself with some of the industry’s big stars.
The woman, who is a homemaker, told TOI that the Murali claimed to have influence in Sandalwood and that he had helped many youngsters get roles in movies, serials and commercials. When he asked her if she was interested in an acting career, she said yes.
Murali, according to the woman, had initially promised her advertising assignments and later, asked her to visit his home for a photoshoot, promising her a debut in Kannada movies.
However, before she could go for the photoshoot, he started sexually harassing her and sending her vulgar messages, jokes and nude pictures of himself. He then told her that she would need to compromise if she wanted to enter the film industry.
As she explains it, the accused sent her his nudes, telling her that she would have to give him sexual favours to get an opportunity to work in the film industry.
The police are currently investigating whether Murali used the same ruse to sexually harass other women as well.
