The Bengaluru police have arrested the husband of Kannada TV actress and anchor Shruthi for allegedly stabbing her at their home in Hanumanthanagar on July 4 just three days after she had returned with her two daughters, having lived separately for months over a matrimonial dispute.
Shruthi, 38, whose real name is Manjula C, was allegedly attacked with pepper spray and stabbed multiple times by Amaresh H S who was arrested last week on the basis of the actress’s complaint to the police from her hospital bed.
The accused, who was booked under section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, moved a sessions court for bail on Tuesday, and on Friday the court posted the matter for orders on July 16.
Shruthi is known for her role in the popular Kannada series ‘Amruthadhare’ on a private channel and as an anchor on television shows.
According to the police complaint, she had married Amaresh 20 years ago but the marriage soured and the couple lived separately on account of his violent behaviour.
The complaint stated that Amaresh began troubling Shruthi over financial and family issues around five years after their marriage. In April this year, she reportedly moved to her brother’s house after filing a police complaint over Amaresh’s harassment.
“When she was staying with her brother, Amaresh would frequently call her and demand money for lease payment and jewellery. He also threatened to kill her,” as per the First Information Report (FIR).
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Three days before she was stabbed, Amaresh reportedly convinced Shruthi’s brother to send her back to his house by promising to look after her and the children. Based on the assurances, the actress said she returned to his house along with the children.
According to the police, on July 4, her children went to college and the husband also left home in the morning. Amaresh, however, returned at noon and when she opened the door, he allegedly attacked her with the pepper spray before stabbing her multiple times as she tried to fight back and escape.
The actress was rescued by neighbours and others who heard her screams and intervened. She was subsequently admitted to Victoria Hospital for treatment.