Bangalore, Sept 12 : The Kannada Film Producers'Association on Sunday banned actress Nikitha Thukral from acting in Kannada films for three years for allegedly creating marital discord in actor Darshan's family.
"Since Darshan's wife has given a complaint naming her as being responsible for the storm in her marital life, we decided to ban the actress for three years," KFPA President Munirathna Naidu told PTI.
Reacting to the ban, Nikitha said she was hurt with KFPA's decision and demanded that they provide proof of her relationship with Darshan. "I don't have any relationship with Darshan and his wife is my good friend," she said.
Nikitha also said she would speak to Darshan's wife and seek an explanation on why she had mentioned her name in the police complaint.Naidu said the decision pertains only to the producers association and not the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.
Darshan was arrested on Sept 9 and sent to 14-day judicial custody for allegedly assaulting his wife and threatening her and their young child with his licenced revolver.
Meanwhile, the bail application of actor Darshan, who is under judicial custody for allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill his wife Vijayalakshmi, is due to be heard by the first class additional chief magistrate court on Monday.
He has been booked under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 498A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He has also been booked under section 27 of the arms act.
Legal experts have different takes on the way the case could go.
"The fact that his wife had given an affidavit to the magistrate could go in his favour. However, the seriousness of the crime he is allegedly involved may result in a verdict not favourable to him," said a senior criminal lawyer of the city.
"It is not possible for her to withdraw the case. What she can do is give a further statement. It is the discretion of the court to decide on the bail," he said.If the magistrate disagrees to consider Vijayalakshmi's statement, it could spell trouble for Darshan.
"The charges against him include attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and use of arms. These are not negligible offences," said legal experts.According to police officials, withdrawing a police complaint involves a long procedure.
"In case a complaint has to be withdrawn, permission of the court is required following which, the complainant and witness should come to the police station and ask for the same. However, in this case, police have the right to decide whether they should go on with the case or not. If necessary we can conduct investigation and file a chargesheet,'' said T Suneel Kumar, additional commissioner of police (law and order).Meanwhile, Vijayanagar police have said no one had approached them seeking withdrawal of the case.
