A tragic incident has rocked the family of Kannada actress Ashika Ranganath, after her young relative, Achala (22), a resident of Hassan, died by suic*ide in Bengaluru. The family has leveled serious allegations of sexual harassment and mental torture against the deceased's boyfriend, Mayank, claiming his actions drove the young woman to take the extreme step.
The incident occurred on November 21st at a relative's house in Panduranga Nagar, Bengaluru, within the limits of the Puttenahalli Police Station. Achala, who was a civil engineering graduate preparing to start her career, was found dead after allegedly hanging herself.
The Allegations: Deception and Duress
Achala was a distant cousin (daughter of the actress's paternal uncle) of actress Ashika Ranganath. According to Achala's distraught parents, their daughter was in a relationship with Mayank, also a resident of Hassan, who was reportedly a distant relative of hers.
The parents allege the following:
- False Promises: Mayank gained Achala's trust by promising to marry her.
- Physical Coercion: He allegedly pressed her for physical relations even before marriage, and when Achala refused, he resorted to physical assault and intense mental and sexual harassment.
- Drug Addiction: The family claims Mayank is a drug addict, which contributed to his erratic and abusive behavior.
- Relentless Harassment: Achala's mother tearfully stated that Mayank's repeated phone calls and constant harassment pushed her daughter to end her life.
Achala had traveled to Bengaluru to stay at a relative's house as part of her preparations to start a job, but the alleged harassment continued unabated.
Police Investigation and Family’s Anger
A case has been officially registered against Mayank and his mother, Maina, at the Puttenahalli Police Station based on the complaint filed by Achala’s parents. The charges reportedly include abetment to sui*cide and sex*ual harassment.
The family has expressed severe dissatisfaction and anger, pointing out that over ten days have passed since the incident on November 21st, yet the accused have not been arrested.
Achala’s parents have made a fervent appeal to the police and the government to ensure the immediate arrest of Mayank and his mother, holding them accountable for their daughter's death. The case has drawn attention due to the seriousness of the sex*ual harassment allegations and the connection to the Kannada film fraternity.
