Bengaluru police have registered a case of dowry harassment and cruelty against Kannada filmmaker S Narayan, his wife Bhagyalakshmi, and their son Pavan, following a complaint by Pavan’s wife, Pavithra.

According to the complaint, Pavithra and Pavan married in 2021. At the time, Pavan was unemployed, and Pavithra reportedly took care of household expenses and gifted him a car.

Later, Pavan allegedly sought funds to start a film institute, Kala Samrat Team Academy, which Pavithra’s mother financed. The institute was later shut down due to losses.

Pavithra’s family allegedly spent on the wedding, gave a ring worth Rs 1 lakh, and even took a loan to provide Rs 10 lakh for Pavan and his family’s business.

Despite this, the complaint claims that Narayan’s family demanded more money and harassed Pavithra, forcing her to leave the house with her minor son.

Pavithra reportedly stayed with her mother and attempted to return to the marital home multiple times but failed, prompting her to approach the police.

Responding to the allegations, S Narayan said, “It’s not surprising that she filed a case. My daughter-in-law left home 14 months ago; I didn’t know she had left. She hasn’t filed a complaint in 14 months. My father fought against dowry in 1960, and I am a filmmaker who gave a message against dowry. This is a weapon used against me and my family. We will fight in court.”

He added, “It’s a love marriage of my son and daughter-in-law. We didn’t resist so that they can be happy.”

– Ends