Cheating complaint against ‘Manjina Hani’ asst director

A 22-year-old aspiring actress has accused the assistant director of upcoming Kannada film ‘Manjina Hani’ and his associate of cheating her of Rs 8.5 lakh by promising to perform a child sacrifice to “rid her life of evil” and help her grow in the industry.

The Girinagar police have registered an FIR against Nagesh, the assistant director, and his associate Veena alias Gauri Chiragi following a complaint by Chethana M L.

Chethana said she was offered the role of the protagonist’s sister in 2015 but the film didn’t take off. Nagesh later approached her, saying there is an “evil spirit” in her life and that she needs to perform a special puja to get rid of it. He asked her to talk to Veena for advice. Veena recommended that Chethana needs to perform a child sacrifice that will cost her money, according to the complaint.

Chethana said she agreed and sold her gold jewellery to pay Rs 8.5 lakh to Nagesh in the first week of August. Nagesh, however, disappeared after taking the money. His mobile phone is switched off, too, she added. Police are on the lookout for Nagesh and Veena who were on the run.