A man who has acted in minor roles in several television series and is also a member of the Ramanagara Child Welfare Committee (CWC) was arrested after a woman accused him of blackmailing and sexually exploiting her. The incident came to light on Thursday when the woman filed a complaint with the Rajarajeshwarinagar police.
Details of the Accused
The accused has been identified as Chandre Gowda, also known as Haniyur Chandre Gowda, aged 46. He is a resident of BHEL Second Stage in Pattanagere, Bengaluru. According to the police, Gowda likely committed similar fraud and blackmail with several women.
How the Accused Gained Trust
The complainant, a 43-year-old make-up artist who has been separated from her husband for eight years and is the mother of a boy, stated that she met Gowda in 2021. Gowda allegedly befriended her by claiming to be a television actor, a lecturer, and a divorcee. He gained her trust by promising marriage and assisting her in securing a divorce from her estranged husband.
Physical Relationship Under False Pretext
As their relationship developed, the accused reportedly entered into a physical relationship with the woman under the pretext of marriage. However, the situation soon turned coercive. Gowda allegedly used private photos and videos to blackmail her.
Escalation of Abuse
In 2024, Gowda rented a house in Rajarajeshwarinagar using the woman's Aadhaar card. He introduced himself as her husband to the landlord and even listed himself as the father in her son's school records. The woman also alleged that he took cash and valuables from her and left his mother in her care for nearly a year.
Impersonation of Public Servant
The web of deceit extended further. According to the complaint, Gowda possessed an identity card posing as a Superintendent of Police and used it at toll plazas. More recently, he allegedly claimed to be the chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee in Ramanagara district.
Discovery of Other Victims
The case took a dramatic turn when the complainant checked Gowda's mobile phone and reportedly found nude photos and videos of several other women. This raised suspicions that she was not the only victim.
Police Action and Investigation
Confirming the arrest, a senior police officer stated that Gowda is indeed a member of the CWC, though police are yet to collect documents verifying this. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 69 (sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means) and 204 (personating a public servant). Gowda has been taken into police custody. Police also confirmed that Gowda has acted in small roles in many television series.
Police have urged other potential victims to come forward and file complaints as the investigation continues to unfold.
