Highlights:
- Director TA Anish allegedly kidnapped and assaulted following a financial dispute
- Actor and social media influencer Aishwarya among 11 arrested in kidnap case
- Police file charges including kidnapping, wrongful confinement, robbery, and extortion attempt
- Gold jewelry, cash, mobile phones, and a vehicle recovered
Police in Bengaluru have arrested 11 individuals, including a woman actor and social media influencer identified as Aishwarya, in connection with the alleged kidnap and assault of Kannada filmmaker TA Anish. Authorities said the case involves charges of kidnapping, wrongful confinement, assault, robbery, and attempted extortion.
Among those arrested is Aishwarya, who police described as a female actor and social media influencer. Investigators said the alleged kidnap and assault stem from a financial dispute involving unpaid loans and investment disagreements linked to Anish’s unreleased film.
Financial Dispute Allegedly Triggered Kidnap Incident
According to investigators, the alleged kidnap followed a monetary dispute involving ₹2.5 lakh that was reportedly unpaid. Police also cited disagreements over an investment of approximately ₹5–6 lakh in Anish’s unreleased film Jeevanada Bhashe.
Authorities said the conflict escalated into a criminal conspiracy that resulted in the alleged kidnap and assault.
TA Anish, who operates the modeling and casting agency Aneesh Creations, had reportedly moved from Tamil Nadu to Mumbai about two months before the incident. Police said he traveled to Bengaluru on February 9 after informing an acquaintance, actor Aishwarya, that he intended to sell his Honda CR-V vehicle.
Kidnap Allegedly Carried Out During Meeting Over Car Sale
Police said Anish met Aishwarya and two others near Indiranagar in Bengaluru after arriving from Mumbai. The meeting was reportedly arranged under the pretext of inspecting the car and paying an advance amount.
Investigators allege that instead of completing the transaction, the group took him to a house where he was confined. Police said five to six individuals then assaulted him using cricket stumps and hockey sticks. During the alleged kidnap and confinement, the group is accused of demanding that he withdraw earlier complaints connected to the financial dispute.
The alleged kidnap included physical assault resulting in injuries to his hands and legs.
Robbery and Extortion Attempt Linked to Kidnap Case
Authorities stated that during the kidnap, the accused allegedly stole approximately 22 grams of gold jewelry and ₹30,000 in cash from Anish. Police further said that ₹5,500 was withdrawn from his bank account using his ATM card.
Investigators also allege that the group attempted to extort ₹5 lakh from him during the confinement.
After the initial assault, police said Anish was driven to an isolated location near Mandaragiri Hill in Tumakuru district. Two additional individuals allegedly joined the assault at that location. He was later left at a hospital.
The case came to light after the hospital flagged his injuries as a medico-legal matter, prompting police involvement.
Hospital Admission Led to Kidnap Complaint
Anish filed a complaint after being admitted to the hospital with injuries to his limbs. Authorities said the medico-legal alert triggered a formal investigation into the alleged kidnap and assault.
Police registered a case at Adugodi police station under sections related to kidnapping, wrongful confinement, assault, robbery, and extortion attempt.
Officials confirmed that six mobile phones, the stolen gold items, cash, and a car have been recovered as part of the investigation.
Arrests Made in Expanding Kidnap Investigation
All 11 accused individuals, including actor-influencer Aishwarya, have been arrested and presented before a court. They have been remanded to custody, according to police.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing as they continue to reconstruct the full sequence of events surrounding the alleged kidnap, financial dispute, and assault.
Police are examining the monetary transactions, prior complaints, and communication records between the parties involved. Investigators are also reviewing digital evidence recovered from seized mobile phones.
