MYSURU, 1 FEB 

Renowned multilingual Kannada actor Prakash Raj has lodged a police complaint at Lakshmipura Police Station against Prashanth Sambargi for allegedly circulating a digitally manipulated image of him purportedly taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The image, shared on social media with a derogatory caption, aims to tarnish the actor's reputation.

Upon arriving in Mysuru from Bengaluru, Prakash Raj reported the incident to the police, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Sambargi under section 333(4) BNS 2023, which addresses forgery intended to harm one's reputation.

In a statement to reporters, Raj clarified that he never participated in the event depicted in the image. He emphasised his respect for all religions while asserting his belief in humanity over religious practices. "I'm filing this complaint to teach a lesson to those like Sambargi who spread falsehoods, as such fake news impacts societal harmony," he stated.