Television actress and reality show participant Varshini Venkat, 28, has been arrested by Chennai police following a complaint alleging assault, intimidation and extortion involving a 26-year-old stock trader. Police said the complainant was allegedly forced to pay a total of ₹5.5 lakh following a dispute over an investment in a short film.
According to police, Varshini and her associates had approached the complainant, identified as Tharun, asking him to invest money in a short film they were planning to produce. The complainant reportedly declined the proposal. The subsequent events allegedly led to a confrontation at a lodge in Chennai.
What Happened Between Varshini Venkat and the Complainant?
Police said that on August 22, Tharun returned to his lodge in the early hours after going out. Varshini, her friend Sanjay and two other people were allegedly present when he arrived. According to the complaint, they assaulted him and allegedly forced him to hand over ₹50,000 in cash.
The complainant further alleged that he subsequently received threatening calls from Sanjay. Following those calls, he reportedly transferred ₹3 lakh to Varshini Venkat’s bank account and ₹2 lakh to Sanjay’s account.
This brought the total amount allegedly taken from him to ₹5.5 lakh, including the ₹50,000 cash payment.
Additional ₹27 Lakh Allegedly Demanded
Police said the alleged threats continued after the ₹5.5 lakh payment. According to the complaint, Sanjay allegedly demanded another ₹27 lakh from the complainant.
The case was subsequently reported to the Guindy police, who registered a case and began investigating the allegations. Police reportedly examined the complainant’s bank records and found money transfers to an account belonging to Varshini.
The complainant also alleged that mobile phones were taken from him during the confrontation. Police are investigating the allegations and the roles of the other people reportedly involved in the incident.
Varshini Venkat Arrested
Varshini, who reportedly resides in Mylapore, was arrested by Chennai police. Investigators also reportedly seized an iPhone during the investigation. She was subsequently produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.
Police are continuing their investigation and are reportedly searching for other individuals allegedly connected to the case.
Varshini Venkat has appeared in television and reality programming and is known for her work in the entertainment industry. The allegations against her remain allegations at this stage and will be subject to the ongoing legal process. An arrest or remand does not by itself establish guilt, and the final determination will be made through the judicial process
