Archive · 23 Sep 2026
TV Actress Arrested Over Alleged Assault, Extortion in Chennai
Police in Chennai arrested television actress Varshini Venkat.
They say she and some friends invited a stock trader named Tharun to invest in a short film.
Tharun reportedly refused to invest.
Police allege that the group then assaulted him at a lodge and took Rs 50,000.
Later, he allegedly sent Rs 3 lakh to Venkat and Rs 2 lakh to another person.
The total amount paid was Rs 5.5 lakh.
Police say the threats continued, with a further demand for Rs 27 lakh.
Venkat was sent to judicial custody, and police are looking for the other people involved.
Police arrested 28-year-old television actress Varshini Venkat in Chennai over an alleged extortion case.
Police said Venkat and associates assaulted stock trader Tharun at a lodge on August 22.
The group allegedly demanded money after Tharun declined to invest in their short film.
Tharun allegedly transferred Rs 3 lakh to Venkat and Rs 2 lakh to Sanjay, after paying Rs 50,000 in cash.
Venkat was remanded to judicial custody, while police continue searching for her alleged accomplices.
- Who
- Television actress Varshini Venkat and her alleged associates are accused by stock trader Tharun.
- What
- Police arrested Venkat in connection with an alleged assault and extortion of Rs 5.5 lakh.
- When
- The alleged assault occurred on August 22; Venkat was arrested on Tuesday, according to the report dated September 23.
- Where
- The alleged assault took place at a lodge in Chennai, and Guindy police investigated the complaint.
- Why
- Police said the money was allegedly demanded after Tharun declined to fund a short film.
Police Allegations
Accused’s Position
Assault and extortion claims
Police Allegations
Police allege that Venkat and her associates assaulted Tharun and forced him to provide money after he refused to invest in their short film.
Accused’s Position
The report does not provide a response or defense from Varshini Venkat or her alleged associates.
Money transfers
Police Allegations
Police said bank records confirmed transfers of Rs 3 lakh to Venkat and Rs 2 lakh to Sanjay, in addition to Rs 50,000 allegedly taken in cash.
Accused’s Position
No alternative explanation for the transfers is reported from the accused.
- Accused
- Varshini Venkat, 28, a television actress residing in Mylapore
- Alleged victim
- Tharun, described as a stock trader and acquaintance
- Amount allegedly extorted
- Rs 5.5 lakh
- Additional alleged demand
- Rs 27 lakh
- Police station
- Guindy police
- Evidence mentioned
- Bank records showing transfers and a seized iPhone
- Current status
- Venkat was remanded to judicial custody; searches continue for alleged accomplices