Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 10: A day after Sandalwood actor Darshan's wife Vijaylakshmi approached the police asking them to warn him for his 'bad conduct', Karnataka Women's Commission chairperson Manjula Manasa on Thursday March 10 said that the Women's Commission has taken up the case suo motu but has not called for Darshan's arrest as alleged by his fans.
On Wednesday March 10, Vijaylakshmi had approached the police asking them to warn Darshan after he went to her house and allegedly used foul language. Darshan and Vijayalakshmi parted ways about one-and-half-years ago and have been staying separately. In 2011, the actor had been arrested on charges of assaulting his wife.
Addressing a press meet at the Circuit House here during her visit to the city to participate in a programme, Manjula said, "I have received many phone calls from Darshan's fans claiming that I have registered case against him. They say I have registered a case because he is a celebrity. I want to clarify that it is not so.
"Women's Commission has the power to take suo moto cases. It may be regarding any ordinary girl on the basis of media report. We have thus used power to lodge a complaint.
"I also spoke to the DCP Lokesh Kumar, who said that Vijaylakshmi did not file a complaint but gave a requisition letter urging the police to advise Darshan not to come near her house and create disturbance. He should be advised by the police department accordingly. The DCP also said that an NCR (non cognizable report) would be filed and the case would be closed, and as per Vijaylakshmi's request, Darshan would be warned," Manjula said.
"The Women's Commission summoned Darshan and Vijaylakshmi and also asked the police deparment to produce them before us. I spoke to the couple on phone. Vijaylakshmi said she could not come to meet me as she was mentally disturbed. She said she was not ready to say these things to the media as it would spoil her husband's image and her son's future.
"Darshan told me that he was going to Mysuru as his mother was ill. He asked us to take the version from Vijaylakshmi and agree to accept whatever decision was made. He said he has never manhandled his wife, and that he would respond after Vijaylakshmi gives her statement," she added.
"The Women's Commission will mediate and try to sort out the issue after counselling them. Whether they want to stay toegtehr or go separate ways is left to them. Both of them have asked two-three days' time. After that we will take statements from both and try to solve the matter," Manjula said.
"In any domestic violence or family dispute complaint, before registering the case, the police department has to hold counselling as per the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. In this case, though case is not registered in the police station, the Women's Commission has the power to hold counselling as a proactive measure.
"Fans of Darshan called me and asked how I could give statements calling for Darshan's arrest. I have not given any such statement. Without preliminary enquiry no one can be arrested. If Darshan has done any wrong, it is wrong; and if his wife has filed a false complaint, that is also wrong," she said.
To a question posed by a reporter on crimes against women, she replied, "Women are being trafficked and harassed in all parts of the country as they are negected by family, society, police and the government. Many missing cases are also related to trafficking. We have written to the government on this issue. We will hold review meeting with home minister Parameshwara. The meeting was delayed due to the budget.
"The Commission has received 2,818 cases till date. There is an increase in domestic violence, sexual harassment and trafficking cases. Sex workers in all districts are also increasing. If the situation is not dealt with, in five or 10 years, this will badly affect the nation," she added.