Mysuru: A girl from Mysuru who took shelter under an NGO has accused two Kannada stars Sadhu Kokila and Mandya Ramesh of misusing her for sexual favours. The victim was rescued from ‘Like Trend Family Saloon’ in Bogadi, owned by Rajesh couple.

The Saraswathipuram Police had raided the spa recently and had busted a prostitution racket. Rajesh has been arrested now and has been remanded to Judicial custody.

Speaking to media persons yesterday, the victim claimed that she has complained to the City Police and also the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, seeking suitable action against the actors and the owner of the parlour.

She said, “Mandya Ramesh and Sadhu Kokila had visited the parlour twice and had obtained my service forcefully. Three Police Officers from Bengaluru, who visited the parlour, also harassed me sexually. Rajesh also sexually abused me in the absence of his wife,” she stated in her complaint.

The Police had raided the saloon on the city outskirts and arrested the owners of the spa, Rajesh and his wife Bharathi alias Indira, who is popular as ‘Jinke Mari,’ for running a brothel. The victim has stated that Mandya Ramesh has a close association with Rajesh and Indira. Even the saloon was inaugurated by the actor.

“He visits the saloon on a regular basis for body massages and Rajesh had asked me to sleep with the two actors. I was harassed sexually during the massage sessions too where the actors used to tell me to massage their private parts,” she stated. She has also accused them of having offered her money for sexual favours.

CASE WITH WOMEN’S POLICE STATION

Saraswathipuram Police have handed over the case to Women’s Police Station Inspector for further investigation. As the Women’s Police Station Inspector is ex-Officio Nodal Officer to handle cases pertaining to trafficking and prostitution cases involving women, the case has been handed over to Inspector Jayarathna.

Though the Police did not find any incriminating evidence that proved Rajesh had converted the spa into a brothel, he was booked following charges by the victim. Rajesh has been charged under a provision of The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act for allegedly detaining a person where prostitution is carried out, and procuring a person for the sake of prostitution.

ACTORS REFUTE ALLEGATIONS

Both Mandya Ramesh and Sadhu Kokila have denied the allegations. “It is a personal attack and an attempt to tarnish my image. The allegation is baseless. I will take a legal action against the woman,” Ramesh said.

Ramesh said he had visited the saloon for hairdressing and that he did not witness any illegal activity. Sadhu Kokila said, “Is it possible for celebrities to visit a place alone. We don’t have the freedom to visit such places. The allegation is baseless.”

“Yes, I have inaugurated the saloon and had visited once. I don’t know this girl at all. I have not seen her too, so I do not know why she is making false allegations against me. I have always respected women and these kinds of allegations have hurt me badly. I feel sorry about the girl’s situation. I didn’t know that prostitution was being run in that saloon. Police should take proper action against whoever is responsible for this and the victim must get justice,” he added.