Popular TV actor Sai Ballal, who plays the role of Kamalnarayan Rajvanshi (Bhaiyaji) in Color's hit show "Udaan", has been arrested for molestation charges, following a complaint filed by his co-star, Helen Fonseca, on Wednesday.
Confirming the arrest, a source told Telly Chakkar: "Yesterday night few cops in civil dress stormed into the set and they had few words with Ballal and production members and later on Ballal was arrested. Due to the sudden mayhem the shoot was called off for the day."
According to the report filed by Helen, who played Saroj on the show, Ballal initially used to send sleazy text messages, which gradually turned into objectionable video clips.
Fed up with the constant harassment, the 58-year-old actress had complained of the same to the production house. When the makers ignored her complaints, Helen approached Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), who concluded that it was a criminal offence and that she should take action against it.
Sai has been booked under sections 354-A (sexual harassment) and 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with the intent to disrobe her) of the IPC and section 67-A of the IT Act.
A few days back, Helen, had accused Sai of the same. In an interview with The Times of India, the actress said: "Sai would often send messages asking if I wanted to kiss him apart from sexually explicit videos. Initially, I handled it politely. But when things came to a head, I asked him to back off."
"I even complained to the production house, and a day later, I was relegated to an insignificant role in the show. I was expecting support from the cast and the crew, but that didn't happen. The show is a closed chapter for me," added the actress.
However, Ballal refuted the allegation saying, "It's not true. Please come to the set to see how clean I am."
