In a shocking case of violence linked to a financial dispute, 11 people have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping, assaulting and robbing a Kannada film director in Bengaluru.

The group included a female actor and social media influencer, identified by police as Aishwarya (also known as Ash Mello), who has now been taken into custody along with ten others.

The victim, TA Anish, a filmmaker who also runs a modelling and casting agency, was lured from his residence in Mumbai to Bengaluru on February 9 on the pretext of selling his Honda CRV.

Police say the accused offered help in finding a buyer, but instead kidnapped him, locked him inside a house in Byadarahalli, and assaulted him with hockey sticks and cricket stumps.

The attackers demanded that Anish withdraw earlier complaints and remove evidence relating to a financial dispute, which allegedly stemmed from unpaid loans and disagreements over a film investment. When he refused, they continued the assault, causing serious injuries to his hands and legs.

In addition to the brutal beating, police said the group robbed him of gold ornaments and around ₹30,000 in cash. The director was then taken by car to a remote area near Mandaragiri Hill in Tumakuru district, where additional assault was carried out before he was finally abandoned and later admitted to a hospital.

Anish subsequently filed a complaint at Adugodi Police Station after being treated for multiple injuries, prompting a full-scale investigation. 

The police have confirmed the arrest of all 11 suspects, including the actress, and say further inquiry is ongoing to determine the full details of the conspiracy and each individual’s role.