Actor Duniya Vijay booked for kidnap, assault

Tension prevailed in front of the High Grounds police station on Saturday night, following the arrest of Kannada actor Duniya Vijay and his associates for alleged kidnap and assault.

They were arrested following a kidnap and assault complaint lodged by Maruthi Gowda, who is said to be the actor's rival.

Kitti alias Panipuri Kitti, the assault victim's uncle, filed a complaint against Vijay and his associates on Saturday night, alleging that the actor and his associates kidnapped and assaulted Maruthi.

Since the complaint, police called Vijay over the phone and asked him to appear before them. The actor showed up within an hour, police added.

Meanwhile, Maruthi's relatives and supporters, gathered in front of High Grounds police station.

A verbal fight between Vijay and Maruthi's family and supporters ensued. Maruthi's supporters vandalized actor Vijay’s car. The station police called for backup and a KSRP battalion arrived to control the crowd.

Vijay, in his statement, told police that he attended a bodybuilding competition at Dr. B R Ambedkar Bhavan, in Vasanth Nagar, on Saturday. His fans cheered on seeing him. But Maruthi abused him and Vijay's fans assaulted him. Later he intervened and resolved the issue. Vijay even took Maruthi in his car and dropped him at the latter's residence. He told the police that he had no intention to kidnap Maruthi.

The High Grounds police booked Vijay under section 323 (assault) 362 (kidnap) 506 (criminal intimidation) 342 (wrongful confinement) and other IPC sections and are investigating the case.

Earlier cases against Vijay

C K Achukattu police on May 31, 2018 filed a case against Vijay under section 353 for using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty.

Another complaint filed in the same C K Achukattu police station against the actor is by his wife Nagarathna’s relative for issuing threats.