Incident sparks debate on online harassment and responsibility; actor refrains from pressing charges against PUC student to protect his academic career
Belagavi: Popular Kannada television comedian Sanju Basaiah, known for his performances in the hit show Comedy Khiladigalu, has confronted a disturbing incident of online harassment after his wife Pallavi received obscene messages via Instagram from a young man.
According to sources, the messages were sent by a PUC (Pre-University Course) student from Vijayanagar district. Following the harassment, Sanju Basaiah promptly informed the police, leading to the identification and detention of the accused student.
“As soon as we received the complaint, we traced the account and took the youth into custody for questioning,” confirmed a senior police official.
Comedian Chooses Compassion Over Legal Action
In a rare display of compassion, Sanju Basaiah visited the police station after the accused was detained, where he personally reprimanded and counseled the student, ultimately deciding not to pursue legal charges.
“The person who sent the obscene message is a student. I don’t want his future to be ruined. I’ve requested the police to let him off with a strict warning,” Sanju Basaiah told reporters.
The actor’s response has been appreciated by many for striking a balance between accountability and empathy, especially in an era where online misconduct by minors is increasingly common.
Pallavi Appeals for Awareness Through Instagram
Following the incident, Pallavi, wife of Sanju Basaiah, uploaded a video message on her Instagram account, addressing the issue directly. In the video, she appealed to youngsters not to engage in such behaviour, stressing the emotional and psychological harm it causes.
“Such acts are not just disrespectful, but also deeply hurtful. Please think before you act, especially on public platforms,” Pallavi said in her statement.
Rising Cases of Online Harassment in Karnataka
This incident comes amid a rising number of cyber harassment cases involving minors across Karnataka. Experts and law enforcement officials have reiterated the need for digital awareness programs in schools and colleges, urging parents and educators to speak with children about responsible social media use.
While legal action is often warranted in such cases, Sanju Basaiah’s choice to forgive has drawn mixed reactions, with many appreciating the gesture, while others believe stricter punishment is necessary to deter repeat offences.
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