Bengaluru: An FIR has been registered against Kannada film director S. Narayan, his wife Bhagyalakshmi, and their son Pavan on charges of dowry harassment and assault. The complaint was lodged at Jnanabharati Police Station by Pavitra, the wife of Narayan’s second son.
Allegations in the complaint
According to Pavitra’s statement:
- She married Pavan in 2021. Since he was unemployed, she was the sole earning member managing the household.
- Pavan later sought funds to start a film institute, Kala Samrat Team Academy. Pavitra’s mother reportedly financed the venture, which later shut down due to losses.
- At the time of marriage, her family gave a ring worth ₹1 lakh and bore the wedding expenses.
- Despite this, she alleged that Narayan’s family demanded additional money, assaulted her, and eventually forced her out of the house.
- She claimed the harassment has caused severe distress to her and her child, adding that if anything happens to her, Narayan’s family should be held responsible.
S. Narayan’s response
Speaking to News18, Narayan dismissed the allegations as false and motivated.
- On timing of the complaint:
“It has been 14 months since she left home. If she was truly thrown out, shouldn’t the complaint have been filed that very day? What was she doing all this time?”
- On financial claims:
“Give me proof of the ten lakhs worth of gifts she says were given. I have records of the loans I took to run that academy and how I repaid them. I will present all of this in court.”
He also maintained that he condemns harassment and questioned why he, of all people, would engage in it.
What’s next
The police have registered the case and are expected to conduct further investigation based on Pavitra’s complaint and Narayan’s rebuttal.